The value of recorded building plans passed by larger municipalities (at current prices) during January to July 2008 increased marginally by 0,8% (R403,6 million) compared with January to July 2007. Increases were reported for non-residential buildings (24,9% or R2 196,4 million) and additions and alterations (3,2% or R392,3 million), but to a large extent these increases were counteracted by a decrease recorded for residential buildings (-8,3% or -R2 185,1 million) for the above-mentioned period.

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 3,7% (R968,1 million). Increases in the value of buildings completed were reported for additions and alterations (24,0% or R1 053,2 million) and non-residential buildings (16,2% or R836,8 million). A decrease of 5,6% (-R921,9 million) was reported for residential buildings during this period.