Gross mortgage lending declined to an estimated £11.4 billion in August, down 14% from £13.3 billion in July and 6% from £12.1 billion in August 2009, according to new data from the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML).

This CML data shows the lowest August total since 2000 (£11.1 billion). Lending volumes are likely to remain below last year’s level in the coming months as activity in the last few months of 2009 was buoyed by the upcoming end of the stamp duty holiday.

Bob Pannell, CML chief economist, said: “We face the prospect of a difficult second half of the year. However, the Bank of England is likely to keep interest rates at record lows for longer to support the economy. This will continue to alleviate payment pressures for many borrowers.”