of tax laws, the status of examinations by the authorities and newly issued or enacted statutory, judicial and regulatory guidance that could impact the relative merits of tax positions. These changes, when they occur, impact accrued taxes and can materially affect our operating results. We regularly evaluate our uncertain tax positions and estimate the appropriate level of reserves related to each of these positions.
As of December 31, 2020, we had net deferred tax assets totaling $3.7 million. We use the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. If currently available information raises doubt as to the realization of the deferred tax assets, a valuation allowance is established. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. We exercise significant judgment in evaluating the amount and timing of recognition of the resulting tax assets and liabilities. These judgments require us to make projections of future taxable income. Management believes, based upon current facts, that it is more likely than not that there will be sufficient taxable income in future years to realize the deferred tax assets. The judgments and estimates we make in determining our deferred tax assets are inherently subjective and are reviewed on a continual basis as regulatory and business factors change. Any reduction in estimated future taxable income may require us to record a valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets. A valuation allowance that results in additional income tax expense in the period in which it is recognized would negatively affect earnings. Our net deferred tax assets were determined based on the current enacted federal tax rate of 21%. Any possible future reduction in federal tax rates, would reduce the value of our net deferred tax assets and result in immediate write-down of the net deferred tax assets though our statement of operations, the effect of which would be material.
Comparison of Financial Condition at December 31, 2020 and June 30, 2020
Summary. Total assets increased $10.0 million, or 1.4%, to $746.5 million at December 31, 2020, from $736.5 million at June 30, 2020. The increase in total assets can primarily be attributed to a $3.3 million increase in total cash and cash equivalents and a $22.9 million increase in investment securities, partially offset by a $13.8 million decrease in net loans.
Cash and cash equivalents increased $3.3 million, or 4.0%, to $86.2 million at December 31, 2020, from $82.9 million at June 30, 2020. The increase in cash and cash equivalents was primarily driven by a $37.2 million increase in total deposits combined with a $13.8 million decrease in net loans, partially offset by a $22.9 million increase in investment securities and a $23.9 million decrease in advances from the FHLB of Pittsburgh.
During the six months ended December 31, 2020, we transferred six properties from premises and equipment with a total carrying value of approximately $3.2 million to the held for sale classification included in other assets on our consolidated statement of financial condition. We sold five of the six properties prior to December 31, 2020 and we are actively marketing the one property that remains in the held for sale classification in other assets on our consolidated statement of financial condition.
Investments. Investments increased $22.9 million, or 25.5%, to $112.9 million at December 31, 2020, from $90.0 million at June 30, 2020. During the six months ended December 31, 2020, we purchased $49.7 million of investment securities with the remaining excess cash available resulting from our acquisitions of Fidelity and Washington in May 2020, and cash resulting from organic growth in deposits experienced during the six month period. Also during the six months ended December 31, 2020, we sold $7.9 million of investments securities in order to decrease our exposure to premium amortization due to the current interest rate environment.
Loans. Net loans decreased $13.8 million, or 2.7%, to $494.8 million at December 31, 2020, from $508.6 million at June 30, 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic and low interest rate environment have intensified an already highly competitive market for residential lending. We maintain conservative lending practices and are focused on lending to borrowers with high credit quality primarily located within our market footprint.
During the quarter ended June 30, 2020, the Bank provided $2.4 million in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans for 56 new and existing customers and, in January 2021, the Bank announced its continued participation in the restarted program for first and second draw PPP loans. The Bank also granted eligible loan modifications in the form of payment deferral of principal and interest for $49.8 million of existing loans under the provisions of the CARES Act. Generally, these modifications included the deferral of principal and interest payments for a period of three months, although interest income continued to accrue. The three-month deferral period has ended on a substantial portion of the loans on deferral and, as of December 31, 2020, only $3.0 million of loans remained on deferral under the CARES Act. For more information, see note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company included in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.