FX.co ★ South Africa Building Permits Fall Sharply in April

In April 2025, the value of approved building plans in South Africa experienced a significant 20.8% year-on-year decline, amounting to ZAR 7,271.8 million. This marked the steepest downturn since January, following a revised 4.6% decrease in March. The drop was notably driven by substantial reductions in permits for non-residential buildings, which fell by 42.5%, compared to a 17.3% decline the month before, and residential buildings, which decreased by 19.5% after experiencing a 2.6% increase previously. On a more positive note, approvals for additions and alterations saw a 2% increase, recovering from a 6.4% drop in the preceding month.