The value of SA's building plans passed by large municipalities at constant (2005) prices increased by 5.3% year on year (y/y) from a revised growth of 2.8% y/y (previously 4.3% y/y) in October, according to data published by Statistics SA (Stats SA) on Thursday.

The value of SA's building plans completed at constant (2005) prices fell by 3.7% y/y from a revised growth of 2.4% y/y (previously 3.7% y/y) in October.

The real value of recorded building plans passed by larger municipalities fell by 2.1% y/y in the first eleven months of 2011. This was due to a 14.4% y/y decrease in the plans passed for additions and alterations. There was a 11.9% y/y increase in the real value of building plans passed for non-residential buildings, while the plans for residential buildings grew by 1.6% y/y.

The seasonally adjusted total real value of recorded building plans passed by larger municipalities increased by 0.3% during the three months ended November 2011 compared with the three months ended August 2011. The only increase was reported for non-residential buildings (23.9%). In contrast decreases were reported for residential buildings (9.9%) and additions and alterations (-1.3%).

The real value of buildings reported as completed to larger municipalities (at constant 2005 prices) decreased by 5.9% y/y in the first eleven months of 2011. All three major categories reported decreases, namely non-residential buildings (-15.4%), residential buildings (-2.5%), as well as additions and alterations (-1.9%).

The seasonally adjusted real value of buildings reported as completed to larger municipalities increased by 1.9% during the three months ended November 2011 compared with the three months ended August 2011. The biggest increase was reported for additions and alterations (5.6%), followed by residential buildings (5.1%). Non-residential buildings reported a decrease (-8.8%) during the above-mentioned period.