The value of recorded building plans passed by larger municipalities (at current prices) during January to June 2008 increased marginally by 0,7% (R284,2 million) compared with January to June 2007. Increases were reported for non-residential buildings (22,6% or R1 677,3 million) and additions and alterations (6,1% or R611,1 million), but to a large extent these increases were counteracted by the decrease recorded for residential buildings (-9,0% or -R2 004,2 million) for the above-mentioned period. The only category of residential buildings showing noteworthy growth between the two years is other residential buildings (114,6% or R456,9 million).

The preliminary estimates indicate that the value of buildings reported as completed to larger municipalities (at current prices) during the above-mentioned period increased by 3,1% (R667,1 million). Increases in the value of buildings completed were reported for additions and alterations (23,2% or R852,3 million) and non-residential buildings (10,7% or R435,9 million). A decrease of 4,6% (-R621,1 million) was reported for residential buildings during this period.