Regional figures on mortgage lending in the North of England (North West, North East and Yorkshire and Humber).

• Mortgage industry helps 85,000 households in the North of England buy their first home in 2018, the highest number since 2006
• Steady growth in homemovers across the region, in contrast to overall decline across UK
• Attractive rental yields in Northern Powerhouse cities drives growth in buy-to-let lending, bucking the national trend

Mortgage lenders helped 84,900 first-time buyers in the North of England² onto the housing ladder in 2018, up three per cent compared to the previous year and the highest level since 2006. The latest analysis from UK Finance has been published to mark its first ever Northern Powerhouse dinner, held in Manchester today to discuss the role of the financial services in supporting the region's economy.

Overall, the North of England saw greater growth in first-time buyers than anywhere else in England outside the Midlands. This reflects better affordability in regions of the North, with average deposits and income multiples lower than elsewhere in England, particularly London and other English cities.

The figures also show there were 80,400 homemovers in the North of England in 2018, an increase of 1.1 per cent on the previous year and the highest level since 2007. This contrasts with an overall decline in homemovers across the UK in 2018.

Meanwhile, the Northern Powerhouse cities of Newcastle, Liverpool and Hull all saw strong growth in buy-to-let lending, bucking the national trend. This has been driven by lower house prices coupled with a healthy labour market and strong rental demand, meaning that landlords can achieve higher yields than the UK average. Hull saw particularly strong growth of 12.8 per cent in buy-to-let lending, along with a steady increase in first-time buyers and homemovers.

Commenting on the figures, Jackie Bennett, Director of Mortgages at UK Finance, said:

"These figures show the North of England has a strong and dynamic mortgage market, with lenders helping thousands of first-time buyers onto the housing ladder.

"This has been combined with a steady increase in homemovers, making it easier for buyers to find a property that suits their needs.

"Meanwhile, attractive rental yields in many Northern cities have driven growth in buy-to-let lending, bucking the national trend.

"The mortgage industry stands ready to work with the UK government and local authorities to capitalise on these strengths and help deliver on the full economic potential of the Northern Powerhouse."