The number of units approved slipped back during the second quarter, dropping by 17% against the previous three months but was 35% up on the second quarter of 2020 when planning processes were disrupted during the first lockdown. The fall, which follows a strong level of approvals during the first quarter, was due to a softening in private sector approvals and a sharp fall in social sector approvals.

Glenigan recorded the approval of 85,674 residential units1 during the second quarter of 2021. At 78,187 units, housing schemes of ten or more units accounted for 91% of approved units; the remainder being on smaller new build projects including self-build schemes, homes included within non-residential projects, and the conversion of non-residential properties.