Everything you need to know about buying your first home in South Africa
Buying your first home is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll ever make. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the home buying process in South Africa, from initial planning to moving in.
Calculate your affordability, check your credit score, and determine your budget including deposit and monthly payments.
Aim for 10-20% deposit plus additional costs like transfer fees, bond registration, and moving expenses.
Apply for bond pre-approval from banks to understand your buying power and strengthen your offers.
Research neighborhoods, schools, amenities, and future development plans that match your lifestyle.
Partner with an experienced agent who knows your target areas and can guide you through the process.
View properties, attend open houses, and create a shortlist of homes that meet your criteria.
Submit competitive offers with appropriate conditions like inspections and bond approval.
Arrange professional inspections to identify any structural or maintenance issues.
Complete your bond application, provide required documents, and arrange home insurance.
Complete the transfer process, receive your keys, and move into your new home!
"Many first-time buyers underestimate total upfront costs," say conveyancing experts. "Beyond the deposit, budget an additional 3-6% of the property price for transfer costs and bond registration fees."
Use our enhanced bond calculator with comprehensive 2025 fee structures for accurate cost estimates.
"Many first-time buyers underestimate total upfront costs," say conveyancing experts. "Beyond the deposit, budget an additional 3-6% of the property price for transfer costs and bond registration fees."
Use our enhanced bond calculator with standard 2025 fee schedules for accurate cost estimates.
Use our enhanced bond calculator with comprehensive 2025 fee structures for accurate cost estimates.
Calculate your monthly payments and total costs using standard attorney fee structures
Calculate your monthly payments and total costs using standard attorney fee structures
Calculate Now"Never sign an offer to purchase without legal review," advise property law professionals. \
"Never sign an offer to purchase without legal review," advise experienced property law experts. \
"Never sign an offer to purchase without legal review," advise property law professionals. \ "The sale agreement is legally binding once signed - ensure you understand all terms and conditions."
Once your offer is accepted, you'll need a conveyancing attorney to handle the legal transfer. Choose an attorney who specializes in property law and conveyancing services.
What to Look For:
Questions to Ask:
Remember: Get quotes from multiple attorneys to compare costs and services before making your choice.
What to Look For:
Questions to Ask:
Sample Contact: (012) 345-6789 | info@sampleattorney.example.com
Address: 123 Example Street, Sample Park, Pretoria
(Fictional contact for demonstration purposes only)
Remember: Get quotes from multiple attorneys to compare costs and services before making your choice.
For first-time buyers earning R3,501 - R22,000 per month. Provides subsidy to help with bond payments.
For households earning up to R3,500 per month. Provides full subsidies for home ownership.