November’s Market Insight Report is now available

Market Insights – November 2024 

As expected, application figures are still down compared to last year, both for the month of November and for the year to date. As the lowest-performing November since before 2020, the data reflects broader challenges in the sector, but it also uncovers fascinating shifts in how existing spaces are being repurposed. While most application types are in decline, an uptick in conversions to dwellinghouses hints at changing priorities and potential opportunities amidst uncertainty. 

November 2024 experienced a 9% drop in planning applications compared to the previous month, alongside a 6% decrease when measured against November 2023. This month recorded the lowest number of applications in November since before 2020: 

Despite this overall decline, there were some interesting trends in application types, particularly those concerning dwellinghouses. 

Applications for prior approval to convert agricultural buildings to dwellinghouses saw a significant rise, increasing by 35% compared to the same month last year, amounting to nearly 60 additional applications. This surge follows the changes to permitted development in May 2024, which expanded the space, number of dwellings, and types of buildings eligible for conversion. Similarly, prior approval applications for converting commercial, business, or service premises to dwellinghouses increased by 13%.

Applications Down Against Last Year 

The broader picture shows a consistent decline in application numbers throughout 2024. By the end of November, over 21,800 fewer applications had been submitted across all regions compared to the same period in 2023.  

Every region experienced a year-on-year decrease, with the North East, South East, and South West each seeing at least a 10% decline in November. The South East alone recorded over 1,050 fewer applications compared to November 2023 and 886 fewer compared to October 2024.  

Year-to-date figures reveal that the South East has experienced the largest overall drop, with 5,200 fewer applications, while the East of England recorded the largest percentage decrease at 6%. In contrast, Wales showed the smallest reduction, with only 256 fewer applications, representing a 1% decline. 

Applications by Type 

When examining application types, all major categories fell compared to November 2023. Householder applications decreased by 8%, full planning applications by 14%, and outline planning applications experienced the most significant drop, falling by 36%.  

However, smaller application types like discharge of conditions, advertisement consent, and larger home extensions showed increases compared to November last year. 

Householder Applications 

Householder applications saw almost 800 fewer submissions in November 2024 compared to October. By the end of November, there were over 15,200 fewer householder applications submitted in 2024 than by the same point in 2023, marking a 9% decline. Larger home extensions, however, recorded a 4% increase in November, bucking the year-to-date trend, which still shows an overall 4% reduction. 

Full Applications 

Full planning applications followed a similar downward trajectory, with 623 fewer submissions in November compared to October, a 6% drop. Compared to November 2023, the decrease was even steeper, with 1,523 fewer applications, equating to a 14% decline. 

So, as application figures continue to decline across the board, trends like the increase in dwellinghouse conversions offer glimmers of insight into evolving priorities. The sector must reckon with these shifts, balancing reduced demand with emerging opportunities to adapt existing spaces.  

For a deeper dive into planning trends, explore our Planning Market Index report. This seasonal publication offers a comprehensive analysis of application trends, development pipeline insights, and expert commentary from key industry stakeholders.

With early access to application data from across England and Wales, we provide valuable foresight into the changing planning landscape. For more detailed insights, please contact us at communications@planningportal.co.uk.