* Building society gross advances amounted to £5,184 million in October 2003, increasing from £3,148 million in October 2002.
* Net advances were £2,525 million in October 2003, up from £859 million in October 2002.
* Approvals (loans agreed, but not yet made) increased to £5,109 million in October 2003, from £3,988 million in October 2002.
* In the savings market, building societies had net inflows of £675 million in October 2003, down from £1,106 million in October 2002.
* Building society net receipts into cash ISAs were £120 million in October 2003.
Commenting on the mortgage market, Adrian Coles, Director-General of The Building Societies Association said:
"Building society net advances tripled in the year to October 2003, starkly re-emphasising the attractions of building society mortgage products in a strong housing market, and an active re-mortgage market. Societies’ market share has grown strongly this year."
On the savings side, Mr Coles said:
"Savings inflows recovered in October to the second highest figure this year. However, this was to be expected for seasonal reasons and inflows remain well down on a year ago. Societies have been making significant use of the wholesale markets in the second half of this year."
