Free SA Bond Calculator
Calculate your monthly home loan repayment, total interest and check if you can afford it.
Current SA prime rate: 11.25%
The South African prime lending rate is 11.25% as of early 2026. Home loans are typically offered at prime + 0% to prime + 2% depending on your credit profile, deposit size, and income stability. A strong credit score and a deposit of 10% or more can help you negotiate a rate at or below prime.
Banks prefer a deposit of 10–20% of the purchase price, though some accept 0% for first-time buyers via the FLISP subsidy programme. A larger deposit reduces your monthly repayment, lowers total interest paid, and may qualify you for a better interest rate from your bank.
The Finance Linked Individual Subsidy Programme (FLISP) assists first-time home buyers earning between R3,501 and R22,000 per month. The subsidy ranges from approximately R30,000 to R169,000 depending on income, and is applied directly to reduce the home loan amount or serve as a deposit.
South African banks use the 30% rule — your total bond repayment should not exceed 30% of your gross monthly income. They also assess your debt-to-income ratio, credit score, and monthly living expenses. Having existing debt like car finance or personal loans will reduce the bond amount you qualify for.