<p>Gross mortgage lending rose 14% in December against the previous month, the Council of Mortgage Lenders said today. Lending reached an estimated £13.7 billion in the month, up from £12.1 billion in November. </p><p>Lending totalled £39.1 billion in the fourth quarter of 2009, up slightly on the previous quarter, although CML says there is typically a 6% fall from quarter three to four. However the total was still 14% down on the same period in 2008. </p><p>For 2009 as a whole lending totalled £143.7 billion, down 43% from the 2008 figure of £253 billion and the lowest annual total since 2000 (£119.8 billion).</p> <p>CML economist Paul Samter said: "The December figure is surprisingly strong as there is typically a small decline in the month. Evidence suggests that the rise was driven by a surge in house purchase completions. The most likely explanation is that buyers of cheaper property wanted to complete their transactions before the end of the year to beat the end of the stamp duty holiday.</p> <p>"With a gradual pick up in economic growth and wider access to credit, 2010 will almost certainly be a better year in the mortgage market than 2009."</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p> </p>