The number of mortgage products available to those searching for a home in the UK has been increasing now for almost a year straight.  For ten months in a row mortgage products have increased, reaching a 41-month high of more than 14,300.  According to Mortgage Brain, the total number of mortgage products has not seen a higher level since the beginning of summer 2008.  Products for home buyers have increased by almost 40% just within the last six months.

Since the housing market always dictates what types of products are, and will be in demand, it is not surprising that above average loan-to-value deals have been amply in play.  Those with a loan-to-value of at least 80% have increased by a third in the last six months.

The rental market continues to be popular due to the tight lending criteria still in existence.  Many who would like to buy a home have to turn to a rental until the economy turns somewhat in their favor.

Between variable and fixed rate products, one has demonstrated the largest amount of growth over the past year.  Variable rate products have been the group showing the biggest leap, as they have gone up more than 126%.  They now represent more than 2,200 of all the available mortgage products.

Mark Lofthouse, chief executive of Mortgage Brain, commented on the history of the mortgage market, saying: "The past few years have been incredibly challenging for the UK mortgage market and for mortgage brokers in particular.

"However, the data from our product analysis over the last few months has been extremely positive and this continues to be the case."