The improvements were made following feedback from brokers

The changes include increasing the maximum loan size across the range to £3m and follows the launch of its new Property Plus and HMO Plus product range earlier this year.

Rental yields remain almost universally positive, with just one region in England and Wales recording a year-on-year fall.

Half of the respondents in a new survey who indicated they were delaying their purchase said they need to save extra money to pay the increased rate of stamp duty.

Richmond was the most in-demand area of London's prime market during the first three months of the year, while Wimbledon proved to be the most in demand for super prime properties.

The National Residential Landlords Association has warned that greater clarity is needed surrounding when measures in the Renters’ Rights Bill will take effect.

The society has also announced the launch of a new residential expat product as it seeks to provide more support for borrowers requiring greater financial security.

The loan, provided at 70% LTV on a 12-month term, is expected to be repaid through the sale of the property.

The development comprises nine three and four-bedroom homes on the site of a former scrapyard.

As well as rising rents, March also saw an increase in void lengths, rising to 21 days from 20 in February.