• Version
• Download 1
• File Size 1.72 MB
• File Count 1
• Create Date April 23, 2026
• Last Updated April 23, 2026

Building Plans Approved by Province and Type January 1994 - February 2026

The latest data on building plans approved in February 2026 shows that South Africa’s construction pipeline remains under pressure, with activity still well below pre-COVID and long-term levels. While there are signs of stabilisation in some areas, the overall recovery remains slow and uneven across provinces. The Western Cape and Gauteng continue to dominate building activity, accounting for the bulk of approvals, although Gauteng has seen a notable slowdown. Encouragingly, smaller provinces such as the Eastern Cape and Limpopo are showing modest growth off low bases, but most regions continue to face weak and inconsistent demand. Residential construction remains the key driver of activity, supported by ongoing demand for housing—particularly smaller, more affordable units. In contrast, non-residential sectors such as retail, industrial and offices remain subdued, reflecting cautious private sector investment and broader economic uncertainty. Overall, the data points to a construction sector that is stabilising, but not yet recovering meaningfully, with growth still narrowly concentrated and dependent on the residential market.

Attached Files