Duncan Pownall, mortgage development manager for Bradford & Bingley, said: "The latest CML figures clearly demonstrate just how robust the lending market remained throughout 2005. Strength in the housing market, combined with buyer's realisation that prices will not significantly fall, has encouraged more and more people to step onto the property ladder and over the coming year, we anticipate increased activity in the first time buyer market in particular.
"While interest rates are expected to stay low and the housing market remains healthy, we will see more buyers take the plunge realising it's better to buy now than pay later."
