Home affordability calculator
Explore a buying budget using your income, debts and deposit. This is a planning estimate; your bank will assess your full expenses and credit profile.
Household Income & Commitments
30% income guideline: R22 500 / month
Deducted from your 30% maximum monthly repayment allowance.
R1 952 999
Max Qualifying Bond: R1 772 999 + Deposit: R180 000
R1 562 939 – R1 740 239
Target monthly instalment of R14 760/pm leaves a 15%–20% buffer for SARB interest rate hikes, municipal rates, and Sectional Title levies.
Statutory & Credit Disclaimer: Calculations are indicative estimates provided for South African property budgeting only and do not constitute formal financial or legal advice under FAIS. Final home loan terms are subject to lender credit approval and affordability verification under the National Credit Act (Act 34 of 2005). Conveyancing, bond registration, Deeds Office, and SARS Transfer Duty figures are subject to statutory tariff adjustments.
How South African Banks Assess Home Loan Affordability (NCA Act 34 of 2005)
When you submit a home loan pre-qualification or bond application in South Africa, credit underwriters evaluate three primary affordability pillars:
- 1. The 30% planning guideline: This tool starts with 30% of your gross monthly household income, adjusted for existing monthly debt commitments.
- 2. Credit Bureau & Debt-to-Income Profile: Lenders review your TransUnion, Experian, or XDS credit bureau record along with 3 to 6 months of bank statements to verify contractual debit orders and discretionary spending.
- 3. Upfront Cash Liquidity (Deposit + Transfer Costs): Even when you qualify for a 100% bond, you must still hold sufficient liquid cash to pay SARS Transfer Duty, LSSA conveyancing attorney fees, and Deeds Office registration levies.
Connect with Verified Property Practitioners
Once you know your maximum qualifying purchase price and comfortable budget range, work with PPRA-registered estate agents and LPC conveyancers in your target suburb:
Frequently Asked Questions: Home Buyer Affordability in South Africa
How does the 30% income guideline help me plan?
This calculator uses 30% of gross household income, less existing debt payments, as a starting point for a buying budget. It is a planning guideline, not a limit set by the National Credit Act or a guarantee of approval. Lenders assess your income, living expenses, debts and credit profile.
Why do South African banks look at both gross income and net surplus income?
Section 81 of the National Credit Act prohibits reckless lending. Even if your bond repayment is within 30% of gross income, banks verify your net take-home pay (after PAYE income tax, UIF, medical aid, and pension deductions) minus monthly debt commitments (vehicle finance, credit cards, personal loans) and household living expenses to confirm sufficient net disposable surplus.
Can joint applicants combine their incomes to qualify for a larger bond?
Yes. Married couples, life partners, or co-investors can apply jointly for a South African home loan, pooling their gross monthly household incomes and combined monthly debt obligations to increase their maximum qualifying purchase price.
Why should buyers budget for a comfortable purchase price below their maximum limit?
Propertify calculates a recommended comfortable purchase range (roughly 80% of your maximum qualifying cap) to buffer your household budget against future South African Reserve Bank (SARB) interest rate hikes, municipal rates and tariff increases, sectional title special levies, and homeowner insurance.