Brokers saw an improvement in business in the first half of 2013, according to new research from Blemain Group.

84% of those questioned said they had seen an increase compared to the same period last year.

This represents a further improvement from when the survey was last conducted at the start of the year looking back at 2012. Then, 76% of brokers said they had seen an improvement towards the end of 2012.

Blemain said this trend looks set to continue with 81% of respondents from the latest survey saying they were confident their business would grow during the remainder of 2013.

When asked which areas had performed the best in the first half of the year, the top three answers were: buy-to-let mortgages: 62% (compared to 45% for the end of 2012); first charge mortgages: 52% (compared to 40% for the end of 2012) and secured loans: 42% (compared to 39% for the end of 2012).

Gary Bailey (pictured), sales and marketing director at Blemain Group, said: “Our biannual survey shows an increasingly positive picture for brokers nationwide.

“In the first half of this year we’ve seen a lot of encouraging data from leading housing indices and industry commentators – it’s good to see that this optimism isn’t misplaced and is truly translating into improved business for brokers.

“It’s important that brokers are able to capitalise on this resurgence in the market, ensuring they are best placed to offer their customers the products they are looking for. It won’t only be homeowners that need advice and guidance, investors and landlords will also be looking to benefit from improving market conditions and the rental boom.”