Quarter 4, 2023 Report
Approvals stabilised during the final quarter, having fallen progressively during the first nine months of 2023. At 2,943, the number of housing projects granted planning permission in the fourth quarter rose by 3% against the preceding quarter, although it was 15% lower than a year ago. The number of approvals during the 2023 were 16% lower than during the previous year.
The number of units approved during the fourth quarter increased by 14% against the previous three months to total 69,474 units but was 119% lower than during the fourth quarter of 2022. Overall approvals totalled 266,540 units during the 2023, a 18% decline on a year ago.
Housing schemes of ten or more units during the fourth quarter accounted for 93% of approved units. At 63,263, the number of units on such schemes rose by 15%% against the third quarter but was 20% down on a year earlier. The remaining 7% 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 1,901 the number of private sector housing projects (schemes of 3 or more units) securing approval was 6% up on the third quarter but was 15% down on a year earlier. At 63,156 the number of units on private sector projects granted planning permission increased by 14% against the previous three months but was 15% lower than a year earlier.
At 105, the number of social housing projects (of three or more units) rose sharply during the fourth quarter, increasing by 36% on the previous three months, although starts remained 29% down on a year ago. At 5,179, the number of units was 24% up on the preceding quarter but half the level of a year earlier.
