A growing number of first-time buyers are turning to the buy-to-let market, figures from Legal & General Mortgage Club suggest.

Searches through L&G’s SmartrCriteria tool for “first-time buyer”, “first-time landlord” and “non-owner occupier” have increased by 18 per cent since the beginning of September.

Criteria searches for borrowers in these circumstances jumped from fourth to first place, while searches for holiday lets moved from first to second place.

There was continuing strong demand from expat and foreign investor, with searches up 50 per cent in September.

Legal & General Mortgage Club director Kevin Roberts says: “Despite the impact of coronavirus, we are seeing rising demand across the housing market with buy to let in particular enjoying a mini-boom. 

“Our latest findings from SmartrCriteria suggest a growing number of first-time buyers are searching for mortgages for buy-to-let ventures, including those engaging with the growing trend towards staycations this year.

“Amidst this continued high demand we are seeing in the mortgage market, borrowers are turning to independent advisers to help them with their plans and these experts are playing a vital role for consumers. 

“There have been thousands of criteria changes since the lockdown and mortgage advisers are supporting seasoned property investors, first-time landlords and other buyers to find lenders and products that meet their needs.”