Strong final quarter of 2025 cements good year
Latest data from Planning Portal operator TerraQuest has revealed that the number of new homes applied for in England reached a decade high in the final quarter of 2025.
The news confirms that last year was the strongest year for new home applications since 2020.
TerraQuest’s Planning Application Index revealed that planning permission was sought for 335,387 new homes in England in 2025; over 120,000 more than 2024.
Affordable housing also reached a five-year peak in Q4 2025, with 2025 overall recording the highest annual total for affordable housing in the last five years.
Government to reform construction products regime
The government has published the Construction Products Reform White Paper, which sets out a comprehensive programme of reform to the UK’s construction products regulatory regime.
The move comes following the failings exposed by the Grenfell Tower tragedy, and subsequent independent reviews.
Samantha Dixon, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Building Safety, Fire and Democracy, said: “Working together, we can create a system that ensures every product is safe and every building is reliable, restoring public confidence.
“This will support our mission to build 1.5 million safe homes, as well as vital public and infrastructure projects. For the sector, a clear and proportionate regulatory framework will provide stability and a level playing field. I want to see a competitive, competent and confident construction products sector that unlocks innovation and boosts productivity right across construction.”
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