The Connells Group recorded a 38% increase in the number of mortgages it arranged for customers last year, with a 55% rise in the total value of mortgages arranged.

Connells Group Mortgage Services also recorded a 37% increase in first-time buyer mortgage applications and a 27% increase in the number of home movers.

Meanwhile, the group also saw a 62% increase in buy-to-let mortgage applications in 2013 as landlords and investors took advantage of greater competition amongst lenders and availability of mortgage products.

“The Connells Group has continued to invest in its Mortgage Services business and increase the number of Mortgage Services Consultants we have available to customers,” said Adrian Scott, mortgage services director for Connells Group.

“Ensuring as many buyers as possible have access to our mortgage advice is a key priority for the Connells Group, which made a significant investment into increasing the number of mortgage consultants to almost 500 in 2013.”

In January 2014, Connells Group Mortgage Services has already seen a 30% rise in the number of mortgage applications it has made on behalf of customers compared to January 2013.

“The number of first-time buyers and buy-to-let mortgage applications saw the biggest annual increases in January 2014 at 32% and 35% respectively,” Scott added.

“The number of home mover applications also saw a rise of 16% in January which is encouraging with the current imbalance in demand versus supply although our estate agency figures show the number of properties coming onto the market has some way to go to meet buyer demand.”