The number of new homes applied for in England reached a decade high in Q4 2025, cementing 2025 as the strongest year for new home applications since 2020, according to the latest data from Planning Portal operator TerraQuest.
Figures in the latest edition of the Planning Application Index show planning permission was sought for 335,387 new housing units throughout 2025 – more than 120,000 units above 2024 levels. The second half of 2025 outperformed the first by nearly 72,000 units, an increase of approximately 51%.
Notably, applications for affordable housing also reached a five-year quarterly peak in Q4 2025, with 2025 overall recording the highest annual total for affordable housing in the last five years. Applications for market homes also rose significantly in the final quarter of the year.
Planning Portal, operated by TerraQuest, is the national platform through which roughly 95% of planning around in England are submitted. TerraQuest’s figures demonstrate increased levels of developer intent, but the report also notes high rates of attrition found later in the housebuilding process.
While planning submissions are now tracking close to a level consistent with national housing ambitions, many schemes are stalled before completion, often due to viability pressures, infrastructure constraints or shifting economic conditions.
Geoff Keal, CEO at TerraQuest, warned that stronger intent must translate into delivery. “Housing submissions are returning to levels not seen for several years, which is a genuinely encouraging sign that confidence is rebuilding across the sector. But intent alone isn’t enough – the focus must now be on ensuring viable sites can move from application through to construction, so this renewed momentum results in homes being built.”
Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders, added: “FMB data has shown confidence among SMEs is on the rise for 2026... even if we don’t fully know the impact of the changes to the planning system. However, the attrition rate from applications to actual new homes is high. The Government’s ambition [of] 1.5 million new homes remains deeply ambitious.”