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2 clusters · 7 sources · 3 days · First seen · Last updated
UK and Ireland housing planning trends
Overview
In the second quarter of 2026, housing planning approvals in England reached their lowest level in over a decade, with only 45,315 homes receiving permission. This decline represents an 8% annual decrease, falling significantly short of the 370,000 annual permissions required to meet government targets. The Home Builders Federation (HBF) noted that approvals for larger developments of more than 10 units fell by 21%, citing rising construction costs, weak demand, and increased policy requirements as primary drivers.
By early October 2026, data revealed a divergence in housing trends between the United Kingdom and Ireland. While the UK continued to face declines in planning permissions, Ireland saw a significant increase in approved dwelling units, which rose by 60% in Q2 2026 compared to the previous year. Additionally, Ireland reported a 162% increase in nationwide home construction commencements for 2026 compared to 2025, suggesting momentum in addressing its housing supply issues.
Entities
Home Builders Federation · Glenigan · Niall Collins · Central Statistics Office · James Browne
Timeline
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[BUSINESS] 2 sourcesHousing planning permissions show divergent trends in Ireland and UK
Housing planning permissions show growth in Ireland with a 60% increase in Q2 2026, while the UK reports a 21% quarterly decline in permissions, particularly in larger developments.
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[BUSINESS] 5 sourcesEngland housing planning approvals hit lowest level in over a decade
Planning approvals for new homes in England have hit a decade-low, with Q2 2026 figures showing only 45,315 permissions, falling well short of government targets due to rising costs and weak demand.
Sources
architectsjournal.co.uk · bdonline.co.uk · housingtoday.co.uk · limerickpost.ie · property118.com · scaffmag.com · theintermediary.co.uk