The number of product illustrations downloaded by brokers has increased for the third week in a row, according to data from Mortgage Brain.

Over the past seven days the number of European standardised information sheets downloaded by mortgage advisers increased by 4.8 per cent, following an increase of 8.4per cent the week before.

This came after six weeks of falling volumes as the coronavirus lockdown weighed heavily on activity.

ESIS downloads are now 17.9 per cent higher than the lowest point.

However, when compared to the average over the nine weeks to March 15, the number of illustrations downloaded remains 37.4 per cent lower, suggesting market activity may take some time yet to recover..

The number of available mortgage products now stands at 8,203 which is 10.5 per cent higher than its lowest point five weeks ago and 2.6 per cent higher than last week. 

But when compared to pre-pandemic levels, the number of mortgage products is 44.1 per cent lower, with 6,471 fewer deals available than there were on average for the nine-weeks up to mid-March.

Mortgage Brain chief executive Mark Lofthouse says: “The announcement by the government to recommence valuations and let estate agents reopen started to take effect in the second half of last week. 

“At this stage it is difficult to tell if the increase in ESIS volumes is the start of the road to recovery or intermediaries progressing pre-pandemic cases. “The increase is positive and importantly there has also been a noticeable increase in the home mover/purchase ESIS produced.”