The latest FNB/BER Building Confidence Index declined by four points to 38 in the second quarter, down from 42 in the first quarter. The reading means that more than 60% of respondents across the building industry value chain are dissatisfied with prevailing business conditions.
Confidence across South Africa’s building sector weakened further in the second quarter of 2026, with growing geopolitical uncertainty and escalating input costs weighing heavily on construction activity and profitability.
The latest FNB/BER Building Confidence Index, released on Wednesday, declined by four points to 38 in the second quarter, down from 42 in the first quarter. The reading means that more than 60% of respondents across the building industry value chain are dissatisfied with prevailing business conditions.
The deterioration in sentiment was widespread, although the impact varied across sectors. Building material manufacturers and quantity surveyors recorded modest improvements in confidence, while architects, main contractors, hardware retailers and particularly sub-contractors reported weaker conditions.
FNB senior economist Siphamandla Mkhwanazi said the survey results pointed to a significant slowdown in activity after a strong start to the year.
