The value of recorded building plans passed by larger municipalities (at current prices) increased by 40,9% (R1 304,1 million) during January 2011 compared with January 2010. This increase was mainly due to a substantial increase reported for non-residential buildings (218,5% or R1 136,0 million). The increase in non-residential buildings was driven by approvals for shopping space in KwaZulu-Natal (R610,5 million) and Mpumalanga (R439,3 million). An increase was also reported for additions and alterations (16,9% or R184,0 million).

The value of buildings reported as completed to larger municipalities (at current prices) decreased by 10,4% (-R269,0 million) during January 2011 compared with January 2010. The biggest decrease was reported for non-residential buildings (-40,5% or -R302,4 million), followed by residential buildings (-8,0% or -R98,4 million). An increase was reported for additions and alterations (21,6% or R131,8 million).