South Africa Building Permits Drop in May

2026-07-23 12:37 By Larissa Caser 1 min. read

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%.



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