December 2024’s Market Insight Report is now available

Market Insight December 2024 

Planning application figures declined in 2024 compared to 2023, as anticipated. The largest real decrease was seen in householder planning permission, with 14,653 fewer applications, followed by full planning permission, which dropped by 9,333 applications. Larger Home Extensions saw a modest 3% decline overall, although December bucked the trend with a 3% increase compared to December 2023. 

Despite the yearly downturn, the latter part of 2024, including December, showed relatively strong performance. This prompts intriguing questions about how the planning application landscape will evolve in 2025, particularly as changes to application fees and shifting development targets and priorities begin to take effect. 

A strong December 

In December 2024, 45,522 planning applications were submitted; a 12% drop from November. While a seasonal decline in December is typical, this year’s dip was less pronounced than in December 2023, which saw an 18% month-on-month drop. This makes December 2024 a relatively strong month for application volumes against what was forecast. 

Looking at the year as a whole, all regions experienced a decline in planning applications compared to 2023, as reflected in reports throughout the year. Wales recorded the smallest decrease, with only 103 fewer applications, while the South East saw the largest drop, with 5,064 fewer submissions. Both the East of England and the West Midlands experienced a 5% year-on-year decline in application numbers. 

However, December 2024 saw an increase in applications across 50% of the regions compared to December 2023. Wales and the North East led with a 10% rise in submissions, while London recorded the largest numerical increase, with an additional 317 applications. 

How did application numbers fall in December, compared with November? 

When compared to November 2024, planning applications decreased across all regions, with only London and the North East recording drops of less than 10%. There were 1,500 less applications in total. 

On average, applications were down 12% month-on-month, with the South East seeing the largest numerical decline—1,239 fewer applications than in November. Yorkshire and the Humber experienced the steepest percentage drop, with a significant 19% decrease in applications compared to the previous month. 

What was applied for in December? 

Compared to December 2023, householder, full and outline planning applications all fell in December 2024. 

• Householder applications fell 3% 
• Full planning applications saw a 10% decrease 
• Outline planning applications experienced the steepest drop, falling by 29%. 

Smaller application types, such as Discharge of Conditions, Advertisement Consent and Tree Preservation Orders, however, all saw an increase of over 11% and up to 20% compared to December 2023. 

Prior approval related to agricultural works saw increases across the board relating to building, private roads and excavation, with a 20%, 54% and 45% increase respectively compared to the same month a year prior.  

Looking ahead to 2025, the planning application landscape will undoubtedly continue to evolve amidst changing policies, economic pressures, and development priorities. The relatively strong performance in late 2024, particularly in December, suggests a resilience in certain sectors and regional markets. While larger application types saw notable declines over the year, smaller application categories and prior approvals for agricultural works exhibited impressive growth, pointing to shifting trends and emerging opportunities. As we move into the new year, monitoring these developments will be essential to understanding the future trajectory of planning activity across the UK.