The National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) has stated that the number of first time buyers (FTB) looking to purchase a home has increased considerably in the first two weeks of 2009. 22.5% of registered buyers were FTB, up from 10% in December 2008.

Although this shouldn't be taken as a sign that the housing market is entering a recovery, it is certainly a positive note and can be seen as a sign of increased consumer confidence. It will be interesting to see how this news effects new mortgage loan figures over the coming months.