Got questions on the home loan process - FAQ's
Do I pay to use a bond originator?
No you don’t pay. It’s a free service!
The bank that grants the home loan pays a fee to the bond originator once the bond is registered.
Why is it necessary to be pre-qualified before I begin to view homes?
By getting pre-qualified speeds up the purchasing process and gives you a clearer understanding of what property you can afford. This helps you focus only on properties within your budget and protects you from overspending or taking on debt you can’t manage.
Does a pre-approval affect my credit score?
No. A credit check is 100% free and it will not affect your credit score
What Is South Africa’s Prime Lending Rate in January 2026?
10.25% is the prime interest rate in South Africa
What home loan amount can I qualify for?
Obtaining a home loan pre-qualification certificate helps you understand your affordability and the types of offers banks may provide. It also strengthens your bond application, increasing your chances of approval by up to 90%, and shows sellers that you are a committed buyer. Best of all, our pre-qualification certificate comes at no cost to you.
What do financial institutions review when considering a home loan application?
When you apply for a bond, the bank will take a close look at your income, your ongoing monthly commitments, and your credit profile to assess affordability. Their goal is to determine whether you can comfortably meet the required repayments. Having a deposit in place can further support your application, as it demonstrates financial discipline and reduces the lender’s risk.
What upfront charges come with a home loan application?
Upfront costs are the initial fees you pay when getting a home loan. These include the bank’s initiation fee, transfer costs, transfer duty, deeds office charges, postage, and any other small fees required for the application.
Which fees are part of my monthly bond repayment?
Each month, your payment goes towards repaying your loan and the interest the bank charges.
Can I settle my bond sooner?
Yes. By paying extra into your bond, you can shorten the loan term and reduce the total interest you pay.
What are transfer duties?
Transfer duty is a tax charged by the government when you buy a property. The amount you pay depends on the value of the home. Higher priced properties come with higher transfer duty fees.
What are transfer costs?
The transfer cost is a single payment made to the conveyancing attorney. It covers the legal work required to record you as the new owner at the Deeds Office.
What documents do I need to apply for a home loan?
As a salaried applicant, you will need to submit the following proof of income:
Your latest 3 month’s salary slips
Latest 3 month’s bank statements
Copy of your SA ID (front & back required for ID card)
- Your latest 6 month’s salary slips and 6 month’s bank statements, if you receive any of the following: (commission; overtime; vehicle allowance; housing allowance and shift allowance)
What documents do I need to apply for a joint application?
You will need to submit the following proof of income:
Your latest 3 month’s salary slips
Latest 3 month’s bank statements
Copy of your SA ID (front & back required for ID card)
- Your latest 6 months salary slips and 6 months bank statements, if you receive any of the following: (commission; overtime; vehicle allowance; housing allowance and shift allowance)
How do I qualify for a home loan if I’m self-employed?
To apply for a bond as a self-employed person or sole proprietor, you’ll need to complete an application form and we’ll guide you through every step. Your application must include your signed offer to purchase, a consent form, and details of your income, expenses, assets, and liabilities.
You’ll also need to provide the following documents:
A copy of you ID
Personal bank statements (3 months for fixed income; 6 months for variable income or sole proprietors)
Six months of business bank statements
An auditor’s letter confirming your income (not required for sole proprietors)
A letter from your auditor confirming your shareholding if you operate as a (Pty) Ltd
Financial statements for the past two years (plus recent management accounts if they are older than six months)
Payslips, depending on your shareholding in a (Pty) Ltd
Your IT34 tax assessment form
Each bank may have slightly different requirements depending on how your business is structured. We’re here to assist you with the paperwork and help present a strong application to the bank.
Is FlexiBonds a financial institution?
No, we are not a financial institution. We are not a lender and we do not grant loans ourselves. Instead, we provide a no cost bond origination service.
What does this mean? We submit your home loan application to multiple banks on your behalf, gather their offers and help you choose the most competitive home loan option. We support you every step of the way