Housing approvals fall 21% across England
Summary
The Home Builders Federation’s latest Housing Pipeline report shows a sharp fall in planning permissions across England, with 45,315 homes approved in Q2, the lowest quarterly total since 2012. The North West also saw a significant quarterly decline, although its current level remains above its recent low point in Q3 2025.
Why it matters
Lower planning approval volumes can constrain future housing supply, affecting development pipelines, valuation assumptions and local market activity. Surveyors working on residential development, land and agency instructions should be aware of the pressure on scheme viability and the potential knock-on effects for delivery timelines.
Key points
- England recorded 45,315 homes granted planning permission in Q2, the lowest quarterly total since 2012.
- The North West saw approvals fall 39% quarter-on-quarter to 3,939 homes.
- The HBF says higher taxes, rising costs and new policy requirements are making more sites unviable.
- Weak demand and limited first-time buyer support are cited as additional pressures on the market.
- The Prime Minister has announced a first-time buyer support scheme, which the HBF says it welcomes.
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