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• Create Date August 21, 2026
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Building Plans Approved by Province and Type January 1994 - June 2026

Kwazulu Natal takes the lead with the highest increase in approvals

The total number square metres approved by local government for private sector building construction increased by 28% y-y, supported by an increase in both residential and non-residential building approvals. This increase the total number of sqm approved to over 1 million square metres for the month for the first time since October 2025. Approvals for the first six months increased by 6% y-y, and ended flat over the last 12 months. Measured in sqm, the retail space offered the biggest increase during the first six months, witha 83% y-y increase, as demand for industrial space slowed at a national level. In the residential space, there has been a gradual shift away from single larger dwellings, to multi-unit housing developments, where approvals increased by 24% during the first six months, and showing the strongest increase measured in sqm across the different residential market segments.  Residential renovations declined by 9% y-y.

Although Western Cape continued to lead private sector demand, with the highest number of sqm approved, Kwazulu Natal has overtaken the Western Cape with the highest growth potential, as approvals increased by more than 30% in the first six months.

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