Residential landlords who are considering increasing the size of their portfolios could be among those to be encouraged by new mortgage lending figures.

According to the latest report from the Council for Mortgage Lenders (CML), lending in February increased by six per cent on the previous month.

The fact that energy suppliers are not doing more to make customers aware of their best deals is "scandalous".

This is the view of consumer advice service Confused.com, which urged energy customers to shop around to get the best deals.

Residential landlords with financial difficulties could be among those to benefit from a new Mortgage Market Manifesto, which has been published by the Council for Mortgage Lenders (CML).

The document calls on the next government to provide a higher standard of support for mortgage customers with financial issues.

Residential landlords who are looking to add to their property portfolios could be among those who are hesitant to enter the market.

According to a recent report from the Building Societies Association (BSA), just 49 per cent of potential buyers feel that now is a good time to purchase a home.

Long-term investors in the buy-to-let sector have "never had it better", according to one industry body.

Mark Garner, managing director at LettingZone, said low interest rates mean those who invested in property some time ago are now benefiting from a "really good" cash flow.