The number of residential units approved stabilised during the third quarter of 2024, despite a drop in project approvals. At 2,526, the number of housing projects granted planning permission in the third quarter dropped by 10% against the preceding quarter and were 15% lower than ayear ago.

The number of units approved during the quarter slipped was unchanged against the previous three months at 64,775 units and was 5% higher than during the third quarter of 2023.

Housing schemes of ten or more units during the third quarter accounted for 92% of approved units. At 59,337, the number of units on such schemes was 1% up on the preceding quarter and was 7% higher 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.

Housing schemes of ten or more units during the third quarter accounted for 92% of approved units. At 59,337, the number of units on such schemes was 1% up on the preceding quarter and was 7% higher 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 106, the number of social housing projects (of three or more units) rose 28% during the third quarter and was 31% higher than a year ago. At 7,593, the number of units was 15% up the preceding quarter and 47% higher than a year earlier.

Regionally, the North West, Yorkshire & the Humber, West Midlands, East of England and Scotland saw a rise in the number of units approved during the second quarter, rising by 4%, 39%, 10%, 6% and 20% respectively against the preceding quarter. Elsewhere, the number of units approved declined, with the North East (-36%), London (-20%), East Midlands (-19%), South West (-17%) and Wales (-11%) seeing the sharpest declines.