Building activity in Windhoek showed mixed results in August, with the number of plans approved falling sharply while the value of projects climbed.
The City of Windhoek approved 162 building plans worth N$213.7 million during the month, 79 fewer than in July, representing a 32.8% decline.
Despite the drop in volume, the total value rose by N$38.1 million, or 21.7%, from July’s N$175.6 million, according to IJG Securities.
Over the past 12 months, cumulative building plan approvals reached N$2.35 billion by the end of August, a 28.2% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
A total of 1,931 building plans were approved during this time. Year-to-date, the value of approvals is up 10.7% compared to last year, although the number of approvals fell slightly by 1.5%.
Additions to existing properties remained the largest contributor, with 1,013 approvals so far this year valued at N$430.7 million. However, this reflected a marginal 0.49% decline in the number of additions and a sharper 27.4% fall in value compared to 2024.
The residential segment showed a mixed performance. In August, approvals for 42 new residential units were granted, up from 29 in July, with their combined value rising to N$108.2 million — a 129.1% increase from July’s N$47.2 million.
Yet, year-to-date residential approvals were 7.8% lower than last year, while completions dropped significantly. Only 95 residential units have been completed so far in 2025, a 57.8% decline from the same period in 2024.
Commercial and industrial projects also reflected a shift towards larger undertakings. In the past 12 months, 60 units worth N$821.5 million were approved, compared to 61 units worth N$285.8 million the previous year.
However, completions remained subdued, with just one project worth N$5.8 million finalised in August.
