Planning approvals fell 58%, to 188,046 units, in the first 7 months of the year, according to the Ministry of Housing.
Despite the annual fall, on a monthly basis there was a slight increase in planning approvals, with 4% more in July than in June.
80% of planning approvals were for blocks of flats, which are down in volume by 60% since last July. Detached and semi-detached properties make up 40% of planning approvals, and were down by a more modest 45%.
Applications for refurbishments fell by 6% compared to last year.
