FX.co ★ South Africa Building Permits Drop in May

The value of building plans approved in South Africa fell by 13.1% year-on-year to ZAR 8,021.9 million in May 2026, reversing a 16.9% increase recorded in the previous month. The downturn was broad-based, spanning all major categories. The steepest decline was in non-residential buildings, which dropped 10.5% after surging 43.5% previously. Residential building approvals also weakened, declining 13.4% following an 18.0% rise in the prior month. In addition, approvals for additions and alterations contracted further, falling 14.2% after a 2.2% decline.