The City of Windhoek approved 109 building plans valued at N$101.8 million in January 2026, reflecting a 36% month-on-month decline from the 169 plans recorded in December 2025, according to High Economic Intelligence (HEI).
HEI said the slowdown was consistent with seasonal trends typically observed after the festive period but noted that construction intent remains firm on an annual basis.
“January’s moderation reflects the typical post-festive slowdown in new approvals. However, on a year-on-year basis, approvals increased by 33% compared with the 82 plans approved in January 2025, suggesting that underlying construction demand remains resilient,” HEI said.
Approvals were largely driven by additions and alterations, which accounted for 72 projects valued at N$50.6 million. Residential housing followed closely, with 27 new houses approved at a combined value of N$50.1 million.
Commercial activity remained subdued, with only one project approved, valued at N$0.35 million. Wall structures accounted for eight approvals worth N$0.64 million, while one swimming pool project valued at N$0.08 million was recorded. No industrial or public-sector projects were approved during the month.
“Building plan approvals were predominantly driven by additions, alterations and residential housing, which accounted for 50% and 49% of total approvals, respectively. This distribution highlights sustained household investment in property improvements alongside continued demand for new housing development,” HEI said.
In nominal value terms, Windhoek remained the leading centre of approvals. Additions were approved at N$25.2 million, while residential housing approvals amounted to N$25.3 million, bringing the combined value of approved plans in the capital to N$50.5 million.
Building completion activity weakened sharply in January, with a total of 10 buildings completed, valued at N$2.9 million, representing a 71% month-on-month decline from the 35 completions recorded in December 2025.
On an annual basis, completions fell by 77% from the 43 buildings completed in January 2025, indicating slower project finalisation at the start of the year.
“Completion activity was largely concentrated in additions and alterations, which accounted for 86% of total completions. No commercial, industrial, public-sector or pool projects were recorded as completed during the month, underscoring subdued activity outside household-driven construction,” HEI said.
At suburb level, Khomasdal recorded the highest value of completed additions at N$1.07 million, while Otjomuise registered the only completed residential house, valued at N$0.25 million. Pionierspark accounted for completed wall structures valued at N$0.15 million.
HEI said that while both approvals and completions eased from December levels, the strong year-on-year growth in approvals signals that construction intent remains intact, particularly within the residential and home improvement segments.
