The value of building plans approved in South Africa slumped by 20.8% year-on-year to ZAR 7,271.8 million in April 2025, following a revised 4.6% drop in the previous month. This marked the sharpest fall since January, amid significant declines in permits for non-residential buildings (-42.5% vs -17.3% in March) and residential buildings (-19.5% vs +2.6%). In contrast, approvals for additions and alterations rose by 2%, rebounding from a 6.4% decrease in the prior month.
