Mortgage searches rose 19% month-on-month to 2.15 million in March, according to the latest data from Twenty7tec.
The figures also show that searches were 17% higher than a year ago as borrowers weighed their options against the backdrop of volatility caused by the war in Iran.
Residential mortgage refinancing continued to be a key driver of activity, with searches increasing 32% month on month to 907,000.
Purchase searches also increased despite affordability challenges, rising 8% to 725,000 from February to March.
Searches for new buyers increased 5% month on month to 174,000, although activity remains slightly below last year’s levels.
The buy-to-let market saw renewed momentum, with a total of 344,000 searches, up 18% on February, as landlords continue to reassess their lending strategies in response to changing economic conditions.
Nathan Reilly, Chief Customer Officer of Twenty7tec, said: “The data highlights how closely linked borrower behavior is to wider economic signals.
“The increase in search volume reflects a market responding to a mix of improving momentum and continued uncertainty.”
He adds: “The report also highlights a shift in the types of cases advisers handle.
“Search queries related to visa applicants rose to the top of criteria searches in March, reflecting a growing number of complex borrower scenarios and a broader mix of customer profiles coming to market.”