There are 110,000 homes in the UK worth over £2m which would be hit by an annual Mansion Tax.

The new estimate by Zoopla is higher than previous forecasts.

The research, which was done for the London Evening Standard, says that most (86,000) of the homes are in the capital.

Labour will introduce Mansion Tax if it gets into power, and with the General Election too close to call, the paper reports that agents say there has been a collapse in the number of homes changing hands for more than £2m.

Henry Pryor, who operates a home finding business for buyers, recently tweeted of the threat of Mansion Tax: “I’m using it to club down the price to great effect. Thanks, Labour.”

The Standard also quotes Ed Mead of Douglas & Gordon who said: “We are seeing some sellers with property at the £2.3m to £2.5m mark who are desperate to sell, and having to accept offers at just under £2m.”

All of which seems straightforward enough.

But then the leader writer goes on to comment here: “Meanwhile those who are profiting from the mansion tax threat are estate agents . . .”

Eh?