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• Create Date January 23, 2026
• Last Updated January 23, 2026

Residential Gains Offset by Retail Collapse in November 2025 Building Approvals

Early signs of stabilisation are emerging in South Africa’s private construction market, with multi-unit housing approvals up 23% y/y and total residential space increasing by 9% in November 2025. Gauteng has reclaimed the lead in approvals (320 000 sqm, +7% y/y), supported by improving residential and industrial demand.

However, these green shoots remain fragile. A sharp 90% y/y collapse in retail approvals continues to weigh heavily on overall activity, pulling total approvals down 2.5% y/y for the month and 2.1% y/y on a rolling 12-month basis. The data point to a market that is re-balancing toward residential and industrial construction, while retail remains structurally weak heading into 2026...read the report here.

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