Home Loans and Property Finance in South Africa

Banks weigh several factors together: your credit score (typically 610–650 minimum, 700+ for better rates, 750+ for the most competitive offers), NCA affordability (bond repayment ≤ 30% of gross income, total debt ≤ 36%), employment and income stability (6+ months permanent employment, or 2 years' trading history for self-employed), your deposit and loan-to-value ratio, an independent property valuation, your full credit history and behaviour, existing debt obligations, and your residency status.

Create your Gateway profile, complete the free 2-minute pre-approval, and — if you'd like — chat to a specialist to structure your application. Once you've signed an Offer to Purchase and have your ID, latest payslip and 3 months' bank statements ready, complete the online application. It's submitted to the top banks in real time and you'll start receiving offers within 72 hours. Compare them on your dashboard and select the best one.

Complete your free pre-approval in about 2 minutes. It uses a real Experian credit check, with no obligation and no impact on your credit score, and gives you a bureau-backed qualifying amount you can shop with.

Your repayment history with past and current creditors, your affordability (monthly income minus fixed expenses), and the deposit you have available — which signals your equity commitment in the property.

Interest rate (the lower, the smaller your instalment), loan-to-value (a higher LTV means a smaller deposit), and loan term (a shorter term means more monthly cost but less interest overall; a longer term is the opposite).

Usually a combination of affordability, credit history, or the bank's valuation of the property. A stronger credit score and even a small deposit typically improves both your approval odds and the rate you're offered.

The bigger the deposit, the smaller the loan you need — which improves your chances of approval and lowers your monthly repayment. It's worth starting the day you decide you want to buy.

The pre-approval takes about 2 minutes. Once you submit a full application with your documents, banks typically respond with offers within 72 hours.

Every offer lands on your Gateway dashboard side by side — rate, LTV, term and conditions — so you can pick the best fit. Your specialist is on hand to help you weigh them up.

The bank contacts you directly to finalise, and the appointed transferring and bond attorneys handle the Deeds Office registration. You'll see live status updates from your dashboard through to registration.

Yes — every stage from submission to registration is tracked live in your Gateway dashboard, with notifications when the banks or attorneys need something from you.

Yes. Non-residents may buy South African property, but the local banks typically finance up to 50% of the purchase price — so a 50% deposit is required. The balance must be introduced from offshore through the South African banking system.

A valid passport, proof of foreign residence, 6 months' international bank statements, proof of income (payslips or audited financials), and a SARS-compliant record of the funds being introduced into South Africa.

Non-residents can generally buy residential and sectional-title property. Agricultural land and certain trust structures have additional restrictions — your specialist will guide you before you make an offer.

Foreign funds must be brought in through an authorised dealer (a South African bank) and clearly recorded so they can be repatriated later. Your conveyancing attorney and the bank coordinate this on your behalf.