St Albans is benefiting the most from stamp duty reforms, according to new research.

Nationwide Building Society has shown that 92 per cent of home-buyers in St Albans will see a reduction in stamp duty, with an average saving of around £2,300 - the highest in the region.

In his Autumn Statement, George Osborne announced major changes to the controversial land tax with people buying homes worth less than £935,000 paying less Stamp Duty than they did before, while those buying the most expensive properties paying more.

St Albans MP, Anne Main, who led the charge for stamp duty reform in Parliament said: "The research shows that this tax change benefits St Albans more than anywhere else in the East of England, and puts money directly into the pocket of families struggling to get on the housing ladder.

"It will now be less expensive for people trading up, as well as trading down, and so these changes will be beneficial for the vast majority of those who want to move home.

"The benefit will be seen in the wider economy as people have the freedom to spend more of their own money how they choose.’"

Based on 2013/14 transactions data from the Land Registry, nearly 590,000 purchasers in England and Wales would benefit under the new regime, with an average benefit of £1,600.

The average SDLT paid is expected to be lower in 97 per cent of constituencies under the new system.