CML estimate gross mortgage lending for April at £18.4 billion

The Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) yesterday 25th May 2017 published news release headlined ‘Gross mortgage lending £18.4 billion in April.’

In their market commentary released the same day they headlined the following:

Transactions continue to be driven by first-time buyers, as all other parts of the market remain weaker than this time last year.

Their estimate of gross mortgage lending for April is £18.4 billion. Accounting for seasonal factors, this figure is higher than average lending over the past year.

Remortgage activity and first-time buyers continue to drive lending growth, as buy-to-let and home mover numbers remain subdued.

The number of first-time buyers over the last 12 months has overtaken the number of home movers for the first time since 1996.

CML senior economist Mohammad Jamei said: “First-time buyers and remortgage customers appear to be buoying the market, as low mortgage rates are encouraging borrowers to remortgage and attractive government schemes are helping first-time buyers. We expect this trend to continue over the coming months.

“Home movers are having less luck. Their activity has been subdued for some time now and the low number of movers means fewer properties for sale. This supply and demand imbalance will continue to underpin house price values, even as the rate of price rises slows.”

Read both the news reports in full mortgage lending in April and market commentary May 2017

Allen Walkey

Highly experienced businessman with a successful career in property sales and investment both in the UK and abroad. Now a freelance writer and blogger for the property and Investment Industry, keeping readers up-to-date with changes and events in a rapidly changing world.

You May Also Enjoy

Estate Agent Talk

Dolphin v Beauchamp Estates v Hudsons – Elite Apartment Rental Options in London SW1

London has long been known as a potpourri of diverse cultures, lending it a whimsical charm while being a major global hub. Renowned for its juxtaposition between modernity and royal heritage, it’s a unique blend of ancient landmarks and contemporary living. You’ll find avant-garde architecture sitting comfortably alongside historic streets and vibrant neighbourhoods. While the…
Read More
Christmas Decorations - Good or Bad for Selling
Breaking News

Stay secure this Christmas: Home security tips for high-value homes

High value home insurance specialists, Stanhope, are warning homeowners to be especially careful this Christmas. “It’s a busy time for everyone, including burglars,” says Director, Matthew Ashton, who highlights why high value homes are particularly vulnerable and what to do about it. “High value homes are easy to identify thanks to tell-tale signs of wealth…
Read More
Letting Agent Talk

Six months on: How the new anti money laundering regulations are reshaping the lettings market

Six months have passed since the anti-money laundering (AML) rules came into effect, bringing mandatory financial sanctions checks into every area of the lettings market. When the changes were first introduced, many landlords were surprised by the breadth and immediacy of the requirements. Half a year on, the sector is now seeing how the industry…
Read More
Breaking News

Private rent and house prices, UK: December 2025

Main Points Average UK monthly private rents increased by 4.4%, to £1,366, in the 12 months to November 2025 (provisional estimate); this annual growth rate is down from 5.0% in the 12 months to October 2025. Average rents increased to £1,422 (4.4%) in England, £820 (6.1%) in Wales, and £1,012 (3.3%) in Scotland, in the…
Read More
Breaking News

Breaking Property News 17/12/25

Daily bite-sized proptech and property news in partnership with Proptech-X. How to get Proptechs from MVP to EXIT Reporter Zara S. Proptech has spent years trying to prove its relevance to the property industry. New platforms appear daily, capital flows in cycles, and “disruption” is promised more often than it is delivered. What is far less…
Read More
Estate Agent Talk

Why Real Estate Pros Should Care About the RoHS Directive in Smart Home Tech

Some of the tasks that real estate pros perform nowadays include negotiating and posting, and checking houses on property listings. You also have to deal with buyers who expect “smart-everything,” landlords who want long-term reliability, and tenants who care about safety and sustainability. In the middle of these expectations, there’s rohs directive. Why should you…
Read More