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• Create Date July 24, 2026
• Last Updated July 24, 2026

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

The recovery in private sector building construction approvals recorded during April 2026 was reversed in May, as building approvals fell by 13.8% y-y, following the revised 15% increase during the previous month.  A double digit decline in residential approvals during May was further aggrevated by a 6% drop in non-residential approvals. The decline was broad base across all market segment, with a few hot spots emerging. Approvals in Kwazulu Natal and Mpumalanga were higher, with approvals in Kwazulu Natal supported by an increase in commercial developments, while Limpopo saw an increase in larger single dwellings. Western Cape continue to lead approvals, accounting for 43% of approvals in May, 87% higher than Gauteng.  The increase in interest rates dampened the recovery in the residential market, just as activity levels started picking up. Over the last 12 months, approvals are down 2.9% y-y with 11.2 million square metres approved. The recovery in the residential market ended flat, with a downward trajectory, and the decline in the non-residential market accelerated to -9.6%.

 

 

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