Thousands of wealthy families are borrowing money from the taxpayer to help them buy new homes.
Some 20,512 households earning more than £80,000 have been handed loans through Help to Buy, according to analysis of official figures.
This includes 8,078 with incomes in excess of £100,000 a year.
Help to Buy offers loans to buyers of new-build homes costing up to £600,000. A development in Essex is pictured
The revelations will fuel concerns that the government scheme - which was set up to help struggling first time buyers - is being exploited by the relatively well-off.
Critics argue many families have been locked out of the housing market because Help to Buy has pushed up prices.
And they claim taxpayers' money is boosting profits and pay at Britain's biggest builders.
Persimmon this week posted record profits of £1.1billion, while rival Taylor Wimpey banked £856.8million.
The bumper results came despite the industry facing a backlash over fat cat pay, shoddy workmanship, poor quality housing, and the sale of new homes with rip-off leases.
Former Persimmon chief executive Jeff Fairburn, who was ousted following a row over his £75million bonus, was this week replaced by Dave Jenkinson, one of his key lieutenants, who was paid £40million in the same bonus scheme.
Labour MP John Mann, a member of the Treasury Select Committee, said Mr Jenkinson's promotion 'suggests Persimmon has learnt nothing from the outcry over Jeff Fairburn's pay'.
And turning his fire on Help to Buy, he said the scheme is 'not supporting the people it was intended for'.
Persimmon posted record profits of £1.1billion, while rival Taylor Wimpey banked £856.8million
Help to Buy offers loans to buyers of new-build homes costing up to £600,000.
The buyers must raise a deposit of 5 per cent - or £30,000 on a £600,000 home - while the Government provides a loan of 20 per cent or up to
