The figures show:
• Building society gross lending was £1,494 million in August 2009 compared to £2,660 million in August 2008.
• Net lending by building societies in August 2009 was -£655 million compared to -£14 million in August 2008.
• Mortgage approvals in August 2009 were £1,264 million compared to £2,880 million in August 2008
It is difficult to make comparisons with 2008 data as Britannia merged with The Co-operative Financial Services at the start of the month, therefore is no longer classified as a building society. Figures for August 2009 exclude Britannia, but August 2008 data includes Britannia.
Commenting on the figures, Adrian Coles, Building Society Association (BSA) Director-General, said: "Gross lending was subdued in August, but appears to be at broadly similar levels to recent months after seasonal factors are adjusted for. However, the market remains very depressed compared to previous years.
"Despite signs of a modest improvement in market conditions in recent months, activity will not return to normal levels until funds for mortgage lending are more widely available to building societies and other lenders."
