The number of mortgages approved for house purchase rose for the fifth consecutive month in June, according to data released by the Bank of England.
Approvals for house purchases rose to 47,584 in June, up from 44,169 the previous month. The June figure is the highest since April 2008, according to the Bank of England. The total number of approvals for remortgaging also rose in June, to 35,011 compared to 31,874 in May.
However, there were 36 per cent fewer house purchase approvals for the first six months of 2009 than the same period of 2008, reflecting the turmoil the market experienced over the past year.
Commenting on the Bank of England data, the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) said that the figures suggest that recovery is underway, but will be a drawn-out process.
CML economist, Paul Samter, said: "Activity is certainly more positive than at the start of the year. This is consistent with the improvement in housing market sentiment, but the outlook is still sluggish, as capacity constraints on the lending industry and continuing deterioration in the labour market will act as a brake on the pick up.
"Overall, these numbers are consistent with our outlook for a gradual improvement from historic lows following the financial system turmoil last year, but for any recovery to be slow and drawn out."