The value of recorded building plans passed by larger municipalities (at current prices) increased by 3% (R1.056 billion) during January to July compared with January to July 2010, figures from Stats SA released on Thursday showed.

The biggest increase was reported for residential buildings, up 8.3% or R1.259 billion, followed by non-residential buildings up 7.2%, or R553.4 million.

Stats SA noted that additions and alterations declined 6.1% or R756.1 million.

The real value of recorded building plans passed by larger municipalities (at constant 2005 prices) decreased by 1.4% (-R346.8 million) during January to July compared with January to July 2010, due to a large decrease reported for additions and alterations (-10.2% or -R868.9 million). Increases were reported for residential buildings 3.6% (R373.8 million) and non-residential buildings 2.8% (R148.3 million).

Five provinces reported year-on-year increases in the value of building plans passed during January to July. The increase in the value of building plans passed was dominated by Mpumalanga (contributing 2.2 percentage points or R776.9 million) and KwaZulu-Natal (contributing 2.1 percentage points or R752.8 million). The biggest decrease was reported in Gauteng (contributing -2.8 percentage points or -R995.1 million), followed by Eastern Cape (contributing -0.3 of a percentage point or -R110.1 million) and Limpopo (-0.3) of a percentage point or -R101.7 million).

The seasonally adjusted total real value of recorded building plans passed by larger municipalities remained on the same level during the three months ended July 2011 compared with the three months ended April 2011. However, a decrease was reported for additions and alterations (-7.5%) and increases were reported for non-residential buildings (12.1%) and residential buildings (0.6%).

Source: I-Net Bridge