Introduction
An analysis of approved building plans between 2025Q3 and 2025Q4 indicates mixed regional performance across Durban. The South, Central, and North regions recorded increases in the value of approved building plans, while the Inner-West and Outer-West regions experienced declines. The North region’s approved building plan values increased by R77 million, the South region recorded a substantial increase of R6, 16 million, and the Central region rose by R926 million. In terms of the number of approved plans, only the South and Central regions showed quarter-on-quarter growth, the South region increased by 21 plans, while the Central region increased by 54 plans.
Overview of eThekwini’s building plans approved in 2025Q4
In 2025Q4, there was a dramatic surge in the total value of building plans approved, rising to about R9.3 billion, the highest level observed as reflected on the graph. This marks a significant jump from Q3 and stands out as an exceptional quarter in value terms. However, despite this surge in value, the number of plans approved fell to roughly 1,100 plans. This divergence indicates that the increase in total value was driven by a small number of very large, high-value developments, rather than a broad-based increase in construction activity. Whereas in 2025Q3 the value of building plans approved was approximately R3.0 billion with 1.400 number of plans which shows that approvals were spread across a broad range of smaller- to- medium-scale projects.
Value of building plans approved per region:
North Region
The North region recorded a moderate increase in the value of approved building plans in 2025Q4 compared to 2025Q3, with values rising by R77 million. A total of 209 building plans were approved during the quarter. This increase is largely attributed to large-scale catalytic developments and sustained residential demand. Major projects such as Oceans uMhlanga and the Avoca Nodal Development significantly boosted approval values. In addition, substantial infrastructure investments, including upgrades to the N2 and N3 logistics corridors and the Seaton N2 interchange, have enhanced connectivity and unlocked land for high-value commercial and residential development. The decline in interest rates in late 2025 further improved affordability, encouraging developers to initiate new residential and mixed-use projects.
South Region
The South region experienced a significant surge in the value of approved building plans in 2025Q4, increasing by R6, 1 billion compared to 2025Q3. The number of approved building plans also rose by 21 during the quarter. This sharp increase was primarily driven by high-value residential and mixed-use developments, particularly in secure, lifestyle-oriented coastal areas. Growing investment confidence, supported by public infrastructure improvements along the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast (including areas such as Umdoni and Scottburgh), has further stimulated property development and contributed to the exceptionally high approval values recorded.
Central Region
The Central region recorded a notable increase in the value of approved building plans, rising by R926 million between 2025Q3 to 2025Q4. The number of approved plans increased by 54, indicating renewed development activity. This growth reflects a resurgence in high-value, large-scale projects, which significantly elevated total approved values in the fourth quarter. The recovery was supported by increased residential developments, additions, and alterations, even as other regions experienced declining activity.
Inner-West Region
The Inner-West region recorded a decline in the value of approved building plans in 2025Q4, decreasing by R634 million compared to 2025Q3. A total of 50 building plans were approved during the quarter. This decline may be attributed to developer caution amid economic uncertainty, with large residential and non-residential investments being deferred. Ongoing service delivery challenges, particularly relating to water and sanitation, have negatively affected business confidence and constrained new development. In addition, rising construction material costs and land holding expenses have discouraged high-value investment in the region.
Outer-West Region
Durban’s Outer-West region also experienced a reduction in approved building plan values, declining by R247 million in 2025Q4 compared to 2025Q3. A total of 59 building plans were approved. This decrease is linked to project delays, political interference, and community disruptions observed across parts of KwaZulu-Natal. The construction sector in the region recorded lower-than-anticipated activity particularly in residential developments, where declines in approved plans often precede reductions in overall construction value.
Value of building plans approved per categories
The total value of approved building plans in 2025Q4 increased significantly driven by a substantial rise in non-residential approvals of R6, 6 billion. While residential approvals declined over the period, strong growth in non-residential buildings and additions and alterations resulted in a marked overall increase. Residential building approvals declined in 2025Q4 by 31.2 per cent from 2025 Q3, indicating reduced investment or activity in new residential developments compared to the Q3 2025. The value of approved additions and alterations rose notably by 60.8 per cent between 2025 Q4 and 2025 Q3, reflecting increased investment in upgrading and expanding existing structures.
Conclusion
Overall, 2025Q4 was characterised by strong regional disparities in building plan approvals across Durban. The South region’s exceptional increase dominated overall performance, driven by high-value developments and infrastructure-led confidence. The Central and North regions showed more moderate but positive growth, while the Inner-West and Outer-West regions faced continued challenges linked to economic conditions, service delivery constraints, and reduced investor confidence. These trends highlight the uneven pace of development across the city and the importance of infrastructure investment and regulatory certainty in stimulating construction activity. Between Q3 and Q4 2025, the total value of approved building plans more than tripled. Despite a decline in residential approvals, the exceptional growth in non-residential projects and steady gains in additions and alteration resulted in a strong overall expansion in building plan approvals during Q4 2025.
