Research from the Intermediary Mortgage Lenders Association (IMLA) has found that brokers expect to handle an increase in the level of activity for first-time buyers. It is the first time in 18 months that IMLA has forecast positive growth for the industry. Director of IMLA Peter Williams said that while the increase is small at less than 1 per cent and more mortgage availability was required, it was an ‘important signal’ of a return to confidence.