Planning portal operator TerraQuest has reported a 68% year-on-year rise in the number of residential planning applications submitted in England in Q3.

TerraQuest’s research shows that applications accounting for 98,723 homes were submitted during the quarter, compared with 58,929 during Q3 last year and 69,597 during Q2 2025.

In total, 114,070 planning applications were submitted in Q3, up from 109,502 in Q3 2024.

The number of affordable housing applications also rose in Q3, accounting for 43% of market housing applications.

TerraQuest’s planning portal data covers around 95% of all applications submitted to local authorities in England. Chief executive Geoff Keal said the increase marked a “clear statement of intent from housebuilders”.

He added: “The figures will also be welcome news beyond the housing sector, with new homes widely recognised as a cornerstone of the country’s future economic prosperity.

“What is less clear, however, is how these promising housing application figures will translate into delivery. We typically see a high rate of attrition along the way from application to delivery, whether through applications being refused, changes of plans on the part of developers or economic changes rendering plans unviable.

“The industry now needs to come together, alongside government, and take the proactive steps necessary to get the country building.”

Dinny Shaw, head of planning at housing association People for Places, said: “It is crucial that affordable housing is central to the delivery of new homes. Housing associations are essential to meeting the government’s ambitious housing targets.

“While the financial capacity of housing associations is improving, planning departments must be resourced to match that momentum, otherwise progress will continue to stall.”