Accord Mortgages has reported its largest ever month for mortgage applications.

The lender revealed April was its busiest month for new applications, following the previous record in March for both application and completions.

Accord was the first lender to re-enter the 95% mortgage market in March. Although it is not using the government’s mortgage guarantee scheme, the announcement of the scheme and the extension of stamp duty contributed to the record months, the lender believes.

Jeremy Duncombe (pictured), managing director of Accord, said: “The market has continued at pace since the turn of the year and demand for moving or buying a home has seemingly only increased, despite the pandemic.

“We’ve had two exceptional months for mortgages, resulting in our largest ever number of applications and completions, and I’d like to thank our intermediaries for their support, but also our colleagues who have worked so hard to cope with such high demand.

“Our common sense approach to underwriting has been critical during the pandemic, and with improving economic indicators, the rollout of the vaccine, extensions to the stamp duty holiday and unwavering demand from borrowers, we’re expecting it’ll be a busy year for the housing market and we’re happy to be a part of that, helping brokers support their clients to find a place to call home.”