Confidence levels in the construction and building industry rise to 52 points in the first quarter of 2014 from 48 in the fourth quarter of 2013 – the first time the FNB/BER building confidence index has been above 50 since the fourth quarter of 2007.
However‚ FNB Property economist John Loos said despite the rise in confidence‚ overall activity was largely unchanged‚ with slower growth in residential building being offset by continued growth in non-residential building work.
However‚ a surprise increase in architect and quantity surveyor activity suggested that the recovery in the building sector had not yet run out of steam.
