Planning applications for new homes hit their highest quarterly number for a decade in the final three months of 2025 in England, according to new data.

Planning Portal’s latest Planning Applications Index said that this uptick cemented 2025 as the strongest year for such submissions since 2020.

Its analysis shows that planning permission was sought for 335,387 new housing units during 2025, which is 120,000 above 2024 levels.

Planning Portal, operated by TerraQuest, is the national platform through which about 95% of planning applications in England are submitted.

It claims that its latest Planning Applications Index demonstrates increased levels of developer intent, with planning submissions now tracking close to a level consistent with national housing ambitions.

However, the report also notes high rates of attrition found later in the housebuilding process and that, while submission volumes have risen sharply, many schemes are stalled before completion, often due to viability pressures, infrastructure constraints or shifting economic conditions.

The report states: “It’s not unreasonable to suggest the industry’s response to government reforms has been largely positive.

“And this growing sense of confidence will be an important sentiment to track across 2026, not least because annual unit numbers now sit firmly above 300,000 for the first time since the government took office.

“This is the minimum needed to deliver the 1.5 million homes target, although the realistic number is likely much higher given attrition rates encountered later during the housebuilding process.”

While it is encouraging to see more applications for new homes, it is important that this translates into permissions within the planning process and build-out delivery on the ground.

As the report notes, it will be important to track performance in the first quarters to see if momentum continues to build or is more of a ‘return to normal’.

We will keep you updated and please don’t hesitate to contact us to find out how we can help make your plans or project a reality.