The number of mortgages approved for home-buyers increased for the third month in a row in September.

As per data compiled by the Council of Mortgage Lenders, a total of 50,600 mortgages were advanced in September, representing an increase of 2 per cent from last month and 43 per cent rise from September last year.

The number of mortgages approved for first-time home-buyers also showed improvement.

Loans advanced to first time home-buyers jumped 5 per cent to settle at 19,700 in September as compared with a month earlier.

About a third of the first-time buyers or 6,100, avoided paying stamp duty during September as a result of government's announcement of stamp duty holiday on properties costing up to £175,000.

Speaking his mind, economist Paul Samter said, "The stamp duty concession has played a modest role in underpinning confidence in the housing market."