Brokers expect the most growth to come from buy-to-let and secured loans over the next 12 months, according to research conducted amongst Blemain Finance’s broking partners between February and March 2013.

When asked which areas they thought they expect to see more business from in the next year, buy-to let landlords (83%) was by far the most popular answer followed by secured loans (76%).

However, brokers were far less confident about first time buyers, with just 44% saying they expected to see more business from this group.

The research also showed that the expected growth in buy-to-let and secured loans wasn’t a new phenomenon, with a large number of brokers reporting these products had been their most successful in recent times as well.

When asked which areas of their business had been most successful in the last six months, the most popular answer was buy-to-let (45%), followed by secured loans (39%).

Gary Bailey, sales and marketing director, Blemain Finance, said: “There’s no doubt that any recovery in the housing market will be a gradual one. We’ve already seen a number of leading indices recording a much anticipated return to house price growth, although still only small increases at this stage.

“The findings from our own survey show that more and more borrowers feel able to invest in buy-to-let as well as utilising equity in existing property. This is perhaps an even better indication of confidence returning to the market.”