FX.co ★ South Africa Building Plans Recover in November

In November 2025, the value of building plans approved in South Africa saw a rebound, climbing 5.8% year-on-year to reach ZAR 9,332 million. This increase follows a slightly lower, but still notable, contraction of 6.9% recorded in October. It represents the highest level for November since 2023. Approvals for residential projects saw a significant upswing, rising by 14.9% compared to a decrease of 7.6% previously. Similarly, permits for additions and alterations increased by 7%, improving from the prior 4.4% rise. Conversely, approvals in the non-residential sector continued to decline, with a decrease of 16.4% compared to a 16.1% reduction earlier.