Intermediaries remain crucial to the mortgage market, being responsible for introducing two-thirds of first-time buyer mortgages and over half of home mover loans and remortgages.

Figures from the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) show that intermediaries proved a key source of advice and support for people buying their first home during 2010, with lending via intermediaries accounting for 66% of mortgage sales in terms of the total number of loans in the year and 65% by the value of those loans.

The Intermediary Mortgage Lenders Association (IMLA) says the figures also highlight the value that homebuyers and remortgagers continue to place on the expertise and service levels offered by the mortgage broker community. Intermediaries were responsible for introducing 53% of all home mover loans, rising to 55% by value, and 59% of remortgages, rising to 62% by value.

IMLA has declared 2011 as the year the mortgage industry needs to return to confidence and says it is imperative that lenders and intermediaries work closely to achieve that.

Peter Williams , IMLA’s executive director, said: “The mortgage market can be a confusing and daunting prospect for people looking to buy their first home