Home Loan Affordability Calculator
Get an early estimate of the home loan amount your income could support before you start viewing properties.
Use the calculator
Adjust the figures below for an indicative estimate. Your result updates as you type.
Estimated loan affordability
R 968 897
Indicative only. Each bank applies its own affordability, credit and property assessment.
The 30% rule
- 30% of gross incomeR 15 000
- Less commitments buffer (25%)-R 4 500
- Repayment used in this estimateR 10 500
The loan amount above is the bond this repayment can service at the rate and term you entered.
How the 30% rule works
Every South African bank starts its affordability assessment with the 30% rule — this calculator applies the same test.
What the rule says
Your monthly bond repayment should not exceed 30% of your gross (before tax) monthly household income. On a combined income of R50 000, that caps the repayment at about R15 000 a month.
Why banks use it
It is required by the National Credit Act that lenders lend responsibly. Keeping the bond under 30% leaves room for rates and taxes, levies, home insurance, maintenance and future interest rate increases, so the loan stays affordable if rates rise.
How this calculator applies it
- 1. Take 30% of your gross monthly income as the maximum repayment.
- 2. Deduct a 25% buffer against your existing monthly commitments (credit, vehicle, store accounts).
- 3. Convert what remains into a loan amount at the interest rate and term you entered.
Example: income R50 000, commitments R8 000 → 30% is R15 000, less a R2 000 buffer = R13 000 available, roughly R1.19m over 20 years at 11.75%.
The 30% rule is a guideline, not a credit decision. Your credit score, deposit and the property valuation all affect the final offer — a free Gateway pre-approval confirms what you actually qualify for.
Make your next property decision with confidence
- See what monthly repayment fits your budget
- Understand how existing commitments affect affordability
- Get a free, bureau-backed pre-approval in about two minutes
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