The UK housing market was firm in February as gross mortgage lending posted a record performance for the month, the Council of Mortgage Lenders said.
Despite slowing by 7 per cent from January, gross mortgage lending had its highest February ever at £24.6 billion.
CML director general Michael Coogan said: "This is the highest February lending figure on record, and reflects the continuing strength of the market and the strong desire of many people to get a foot on the property ladder or move house.
"Recent speculation about whether or not interest rates will go up seems to have had little impact upon lending levels and we still expect gross lending to reach around £360 billion this year," he added.