Housing pipeline strengthens as approvals rise

The housing pipeline of residential construction projects is improving across the UK.

Glenigan data shows that there was a 17% increase in the value of detailed planning approvals in the quarter to April 2026 compared to the same period in 2025.

This is being driven by the private sector. There are 5,266 approved private residential projects at an underlying level (valued at up to £100 million) across the UK and due to start in the next six months.

In the social housing sector, there are 1,027 approved projects at an underlying level and due to begin construction in the forthcoming six months.

Regional workload

The overall rise in residential approvals was spread across the UK, with 10 regions recording an upturn and half recording strong growth of 40% or more.

There are also large pipelines of work in many of these regions where approvals have risen.

The East of England enjoyed the biggest rise in approvals with an increase of 251%, and there are 586 private residential projects due to commence construction in the next six months.

Work coming up in the East of England ranges from the £69 million Elstree Retirement Village in Hertfordshire (Project ID: 22452453, pictured) to Bellway’s Estuary View development comprising 122 flats and 88 houses in Southend-On-Sea (Project ID: 24056689). Both schemes are expected to start construction this summer.

Scottish and Welsh upturn

Glenigan data shows that Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland recorded the next highest levels of growth in overall residential planning approvals. All three constituents of the UK also have a strong pipeline of private sector work at an underlying level, and due to start before the end of this year.

Scotland experienced the second-largest rise in planning approvals with a surge of 96%. There are also 314 private residential projects due to begin construction over the next six months in Scotland.

These range from Cruden’s plans for 35 flats at Fernieside Gardens in Edinburgh (Project ID: 24325741) to Miller’s proposed Hawthorn Green development comprising 431 homes at Bellshill in Strathclyde (Project ID: 10259968).

There was a 91% rise in overall residential approvals in the latest quarter in Wales, where there are 154 private sector schemes with planning and a start date set before the end of this year.

Welsh housing schemes coming up range from Llanmoor Homes’ Pentref Rhostir development of 471 homes in Swansea (Project ID: 22397226) to Barratt Redrow’s Church Farm scheme at Lisvane, Cardiff, where work on 205 residential units should begin in October (Project ID: 21479324).

In Northern Ireland, overall approvals leapt by 60% and more than 100 private residential schemes will start over the next six months. These include MJ McBride’s plan for 62 homes in Omagh (Project ID: 08054634) and Orrson Homes’ proposal to build 23 homes in Ballyclare (Project ID: 25383262).

 Design clarity

The uptick in residential approvals comes as the recent publication of the Future Homes Standard finally ended years of uncertainty for housebuilders over standards. Greater clarity at the design stage for housebuilders should hopefully facilitate more submissions and ultimately provide greater opportunities for the supply chain.