The government plans to increase the cost of buying a home by raising Land Registry fees in England and Wales.

Under yesterday’s proposals, fees for homes up to £50,000 would rise £10 to £50; a £150,000 property would be £50 higher at £200; and £1m-plus places would soar £220 to £920.

The housing slump has seen the Registry fall £148million into the red, the first annual loss in its 147-year history.

Searches and copies of documents would also cost more from July 6.