Gross mortgage lending in June was an estimated £13.1 billion, a 15% increase from £11.4 billion in May and a 7% increase from £12.2 billion in June last year, according to new data from the Council of Mortgage Lenders. Gross lending in the second quarter of 2010 was an estimated £35 billion, up 17% from the first quarter of this year (£30 billion) and up 7% from the second quarter of 2009 (£32.7 billion). Lending in the first half of 2010 remained unchanged from the first half of 2009 (£65 billion). In today’s market commentary, CML economist Paul Samter commented: “Our gross lending estimate of £13.1 billion in June represents a seasonal pick-up and is higher than June last year, but is still indicative of low levels of activity. There are signs of house prices stabilising and more properties coming onto the market following the abolition of home information packs. This may improve liquidity in the market, but transaction levels are subdued and likely to remain so while access to credit remains constrained. The FSA has outlined a clear direction of travel as part of its mortgage market review. The consultation paper on responsible lending increases the regulatory burden on lenders and could make it harder for borrowers to access credit.”