The value of building plans approved in South Africa declined 13.1% year-on-year to ZAR 8,021.9 million in May 2026, reversing a 16.9% increase in the previous month. The decline was broad-based across all categories, with the highest decline in non-residential buildings, plunging 10.5% after a 43.5% gain. Residential building approvals also decreased 13.4%, following an 18.0% rise. Meanwhile, additions and alterations also fell, contracting further to 14.2% from 2.2%. source: Statistics South Africa

Building Permits in South Africa decreased to 8021924 ZAR Thousand in May from 8513466 ZAR Thousand in April of 2026. Building Permits in South Africa averaged 4231603.41 ZAR Thousand from 1981 until 2026, reaching an all time high of 12307680.00 ZAR Thousand in June of 2023 and a record low of 218553.00 ZAR Thousand in December of 1985. This page provides - South Africa Building Plans Passed- actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news. South Africa Building Plans Passed - data, historical chart, forecasts and calendar of releases - was last updated on August of 2026.

Building Permits in South Africa decreased to 8021924 ZAR Thousand in May from 8513466 ZAR Thousand in April of 2026. Building Permits in South Africa is expected to be 9650000.00 ZAR Thousand by the end of this quarter, according to Trading Economics global macro models and analysts expectations. In the long-term, the South Africa Building Plans Passed is projected to trend around 7600000.00 ZAR Thousand in 2027 and 7800000.00 ZAR Thousand in 2028, according to our econometric models.



Calendar GMT Reference Actual Previous Consensus TEForecast
2026-06-18 12:30 PM
Building Permits YoY
Apr 16.9% 17.2% 15.0%
2026-07-23 12:30 PM
Building Permits YoY
May -13.1% 16.9% -2.5%
2026-08-20 12:30 PM
Building Permits YoY
Jun -13.1%


Related Last Previous Unit Reference
Building Permits YoY 8021924.00 8513466.00 ZAR Thousand May 2026
Housing Index 125.20 124.10 points Feb 2026
Price to Rent Ratio 102.75 102.32 points Dec 2025
Residential Property Prices 7.70 6.80 Percent Feb 2026


South Africa Building Plans Passed
Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) conducts a monthly building statistics survey collecting information regarding building plans passed and buildings completed, financed by the private sector, from the largest local government institutions in South Africa. According to these institutions, they are not always notified about low-cost housing projects and therefore do not include the bulk of low-cost dwelling-houses. The monthly survey represents approximately 90 percent of the total value of buildings completed. The statistical unit for the collection of information is a local government institution. Local government institutions include district municipalities, metropolitan municipalities and local municipalities.
Actual Previous Highest Lowest Dates Unit Frequency
8021924.00 8513466.00 12307680.00 218553.00 1981 - 2026 ZAR Thousand Monthly
Current Prices, NSA

News Stream
South Africa Building Permits Drop in May
The value of building plans approved in South Africa declined 13.1% year-on-year to ZAR 8,021.9 million in May 2026, reversing a 16.9% increase in the previous month. The decline was broad-based across all categories, with the highest decline in non-residential buildings, plunging 10.5% after a 43.5% gain. Residential building approvals also decreased 13.4%, following an 18.0% rise. Meanwhile, additions and alterations also fell, contracting further to 14.2% from 2.2%.
2026-07-23
South Africa Building Permits Surge for 2nd Month
The value of building plans approved in South Africa climbed by 16.9% year-on-year to ZAR 8513.5 million in April 2026, following an upwardly revised 17.2% jump in the prior month. Non-residential buildings (43.5% vs 3.3%) and residential construction (18% vs 27.3%) posted strong increases, more than offsetting a decline in additions and alterations (-2.2% vs 10.2%).
2026-06-18
South Africa Building Permits Recover
The value of building plans approved in South Africa surged by 16.9% year-on-year to ZAR 8708 million in March 2026, following a 11% drop in the prior month. Increases were seen for residential buildings (27.3% vs 8.4% in February); additions & alterations (10.2% vs -6.1%) and non-residential buildings (1.2% vs -43.6%).
2026-05-21