The Housing Pipeline Report Q3 2025 found the number of residential units approved fell by 7% during the third quarter of 2025, extending the decline seen during the first half of the year. At 45,075, the number of units approved was 34% down on the third quarter of 2024 and the lowest quarterly total since 2012 Q2. At 146,798, the overall number of units approved during the first nine months of 2025 was 25% lower than a year ago.
At 1,452, the number of housing projects granted planning permission in the third quarter dropped by 17% against the preceding quarter and was 45% lower than a year ago.
Housing schemes of ten or more units during the third quarter accounted for 92% of approved units. At 41,382, the number of units on such schemes slipped 6% against the preceding quarter and was 34% lower than a year earlier. The remaining 8% of units were on smaller new build projects of up to nine units including self-build schemes together with homes included within non-residential projects and from the conversion of non-residential properties.
At 1,128 the number of private sector housing projects (schemes of 3 or more units) securing approval was 8% lower than in the second quarter and was 37% down on a year earlier. At 39,916 the number of units on private sector projects granted planning permission was 9% down on the previous three months and 33% lower than a year earlier. The decline would have been sharper, but for the approvals of two 1,000 plus unit sites.
At 66, the number of social housing projects (of three or more units) rose by 2% during the third quarter but was 41% lower than a year ago. At 4,832, the number of units was 24% up on the preceding quarter but 36% down on a year earlier.
There was a sharp divergence in regional approvals during the third quarter. The North East, West Midlands and East of England saw a rise in the number of units approved during the third quarter, rising by 52%, 131% and 90% respectively against the preceding quarter. In contrast, the number of units approved in the North West, Yorkshire & the Humber and London fell back by 57%, 56% and 49% respectively.
