The value of recorded building plans passed by larger municipalities (at current prices) during January to August 2009 decreased by 27,3% (-R15 203,9 million) compared with January to August 2008. The largest decrease was reported for residential buildings (-44,9% or -R12 632,0 million), followed by additions and alterations (-11,0% or -R1 648,8 million) and non-residential buildings (-7,3% or   -R923,2 million).

The preliminary estimates indicate that the value of buildings reported as completed to larger municipalities (at current prices) during the first eight months of 2009 decreased by 1,4% (-R489,4 million) compared with the first eight months 2008, whereas the increase for the first seven months of 2009 was 1,4% (R393,5 million). The decrease of 1,4% (-R489,4 million) in the value of buildings reported as completed during the first eight months of 2009 was due to a decrease reported for residential buildings of 15,1% (-R2 905,2 million). However, strong growth was still reported for additions and alterations (24,5% or R1 660,5 million) and non-residential buildings (9,6% or R755,3 million) during the above-mentioned period.