80% of intermediaries think there will be a rise in mortgage lending in 2013, with only 3% predicting a fall, according to research from technology firm Avelo.

The poll was carried out as part of the 10 Avelo Experience Mortgage & Protection roadshows between February and March.

Sophie Hall, head of intermediary at Avelo, said: “It is really positive news to see that intermediaries believe mortgage lending is set to rise in 2013. With a housing shortage, strong rental demand and desperately poor returns on other forms of investment, the buy-to-let market has shown it is bouncing back; this should have a knock on effect on the mortgage industry as a whole and hopefully get the economy moving in the right direction.

“As more products become available in the market place, LTVs and rates should become competitive. Most indices are now suggesting a small rise in house prices in 2013, so it makes sense that gross lending increases in line with this.”