The survey carried out by website Moveme.com questioned 1,500 potential home movers. It found that 80% of people said it would not encourage them to move despite the governments decision earlier this week to abolish stamp duty on properties costing up to £175,000 for one year.

A further 73% also said they did not think the measure would boost the property market.

Critics are now arguing that the move, which would save buyers between £1,250 and £1,750, is not enough to reverse the downward trend in the housing market.