The mutual’s lending in the half year to June 2013 was 13% higher than the previous six months and 4% higher than the same period last year. Roughly two-fifths of loans, or £925m, went to first-time buyers. The mutual was responsible for one-in-five offset mortgages.

However, YBS failed to keep pace with the overall market – according to the Council of Mortgage Lenders, total gross mortgage lending jumped 24% in the second quarter of 2013.

A Yorkshire Building Society spokesman said: “We anticipate strong levels of lending across the entire Group in the second half of 2013.

“Accord’s lending through the intermediary channel will continue to play an important part in our growth and help us to fulfil our fundamental purpose as a building society of supporting more people to buy and own their own home.”

Net lending, currently £450m, has fallen from June 2012’s figure of £523m.