The Paragon Group of Companies has posted a 12.5% increase in underlying profits to £71.9 million for the six months ended 31 March 2016.

During the period new buy-to-let lending reached £823.6 million, compared to £446.2 million at the half-year point in 2015.

The group said this increase reflects its strength in the buy-to-let market and the acceleration of landlord purchasing activity ahead of the stamp duty increase.

John Heron (pictured), managing director of Paragon Mortgages, said: “We have had a very good first half, with strong new lending volumes whilst maintaining our high underwriting standards and strong credit profile.

“Demand for private rented property remains strong regardless of the significant policy developments we have seen in recent months. The PRA proposals, currently in consultation, will introduce a level of discipline to the market that we welcome and in particular require that more complex business is subject to an appropriately robust commercial assessment, similar to that which Paragon already applies to more complex business. Paragon is therefore well positioned to deliver solutions for landlords through a period of significant change in the market.

“We have every confidence in the buy-to-let market, with tenant demand continuing to remain high and in some areas increasing, the PRS will remain a fundamental part of the UK’s housing market now and in the future.”