Smart Money Loans has seen enquiries rise against the same period in January 2012 as the market continues to improve with greater lender choice and increased competition on price and criteria.

Managing director Paul Crewe says enquiry levels are up 26% in England and 19% in Scotland year on year and that the market for secured loans has not been as buoyant since 2008.

He said: “We are always looking at ways to encourage more intermediaries to understand the advantages of secured loans as a viable means of providing the finance needed by their clients. As providers, we are mirroring our peers in the retail arena who look to improve their visibility at an otherwise slow point in the year.”

Smart Money Loans is currently offering brokers 20% commission uplift on all new cases submitted in January and Crewe added: “For us, 2013 is all about winning the hearts and minds of advisers still coming to terms with the restrictions on remortgaging and the demise of interest only.

“Secured loans are not only an alternative but also in many cases provide the best and most suitable answer to capital raising for many classes of client circumstance.”