4 Steps You Must Take If You Want to Buy a House in South Africa

Plenty of us are waiting with bated breath for housing prices to drop, but if you really want to buy a house, you’ll have to do a lot more than wait. Instead, you’ll need to start doing your homework.

1. Improve your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio.

If you’re planning a purchase, there’s ample time to make sure your credit score is as high as possible. Lenders assess your DTI ratio carefully — aim to keep total debt repayments below 30–35% of your gross monthly income to strengthen your bond application.

2. Save for more than just a down payment.

Skip the name brands and go no-frills for a while. Cut unnecessary spending. After all, buying a house is just the beginning; maintaining a house requires a different budget altogether. Budget for transfer duty (properties up to R1 210 000 are currently exempt), bond registration costs, attorney fees, and moving expenses.

3. Shop for bonds.

The next step is to get the very best offer possible for bond rates and terms, and the best way to do this is to start shopping around for bonds. Get a pre-approved bond with the best interest rates at the best bank now. A pre-approval gives you certainty on what you can afford and puts you in a stronger negotiating position. For an introduction to the legal side of the transfer process, see our beginner’s guide to conveyancing.

4. Choose an agent who knows your future neighbourhood.

Last, but not least, you should get a professional real estate agent on your side. This can be a bit like dating; you may kiss some frogs before you find the perfect match. Once you’ve got the right agent in your corner, it’s just a matter of time before moving into your dream home becomes a reality. First-time buyers especially benefit from reading up on property law tips for first-time buyers.

Buying or selling a property – we’ve got your back! Our Conveyancing Department has earned the reputation of being one of SA’s best!

Updated 14 April 2026 — Updated the transfer duty exemption threshold to R1 210 000 (effective 1 April 2025) and expanded DTI guidance and pre-approval advice.