Comment from Karen Bennett, Sales and Marketing Director, Commercial Mortgages, Shawbrook Bank responding to the Council of Mortgage Lenders Monthly Lending Trends press release.

14 April 2015

“A contributing factor to the fall in February’s overall mortgage lending is likely to be the general feeling of uncertainty that is always in the market when we approach an election, combined with the continued impact of tighter lending criteria on owner-occupiers.

As part of this, we are seeing the more specialist buy-to-let market stabilising, with less rapid, but still robust, growth than in previous years. As professional investors continue to expand their portfolios and add value by refurbishing or renovating, the signs are there for a continuing strong mortgage market. In order to ensure market sustainability, brokers should always encourage responsible borrowing by clients.”