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Los Angeles developers received over 56% fewer permits to build housing units in the first quarter of 2025, compared to the same period last year, according to a report by analytics firm Hilgard.
The slowdown could push housing prices upward across the city, as demand lags behind supply. Adding units has been a priority for politicians across the city in order to restrain home prices. According to the St. Louis Federal Reserve, prices for existing homes have risen more than 50% in the last five years.
“The slowdown reflects a combination of persistent structural challenges—elevated interest rates, ongoing economic uncertainty, and a complex regulatory environment—as well as acute disruptions,” Hilgard said in its brief.
The Palisades Fire, which destroyed 6,837 structures in January, likely contributed to the decline. No permits were issued in the fire zones until early March, and city resources were diverted to contain the immediate impacts of the disaster.
Hilgard also indicated that broader political and economic challenges were restraining housing construction.
“Federal policy shifts—including tariffs, immigration restrictions, and funding uncertainty—further constrained development, especially for larger multifamily projects contending with rising costs and labor shortages,” it said.
The steepest drops in permitting occurred in the West and Northeast San Fernando Valley, as well as South L.A. The largest difference was in Council District 3 – covering Canoga Park, Tarzana, Reseda, Winnetka, and Woodland Hills. The city issued 34 permits there in the first quarter of 2025, down from 514 in the same period of 2024.
Some areas saw increased construction. Districts 4, 9, 11, and 15 permitted more houses than they did last year. District 11 – which includes Pacific Palisades – saw a 76% increase in permitting, from 72 to 127 units.
“Looking ahead, the pace of permitting will likely depend on interest rates, policy reforms, and the speed of wildfire recovery,” Hilgard concluded.
Lawmakers have already put policies in place to fast-track construction in fire-affected areas. Construction costs, however, will need time to stabilize after recent rapid changes in federal policy.
