The number of loans handed out for house purchases in the UK rose by 16% in April compared with the previous month, according to lenders.

But the figure remains 28% down on the same month the previous year, the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) said.

The data adds further evidence to indications of a spring bounce in the housing market.

However, first-time buyers still have to put down an average deposit of 25% of the value of their new home.

In April, the average amount borrowed by first-time buyers for a home loan rose slightly to £96,000 - the first rise since May 2008.

Source: BBC News