First-time buyer’s guide to getting your bond approved in South Africa

Buying your first home is exciting — and the bond application is the part that makes most first-timers nervous. Here’s how to give yourself the best possible chance of a “yes.”

Step 1: Check and clean up your credit

Your credit record is one of the first things a bank looks at. Request your free credit report, settle any small overdue accounts, and avoid taking on new debt in the months before you apply.

Step 2: Save towards a deposit

While 100% bonds exist, a deposit — even 5–10% — reduces what you borrow, strengthens your application and can earn you a better interest rate. It also helps cover the upfront costs of buying.

Step 3: Get pre-approved

Pre-approval tells you exactly what you can afford and shows sellers you’re a serious buyer. It’s free, quick, and gives you a real head start when you find the right home.

Step 4: Get your documents ready

Banks will want your ID, recent payslips, three months’ bank statements and proof of residence. Having these ready speeds everything up.

Step 5: Apply to more than one bank

Don’t put all your hopes on a single lender. Applying to several banks at once — which is what Landsdowne does on your behalf — means they compete for your business, improving both your rate and your odds of approval.

What banks look for

• A stable, verifiable income
• A clean credit record and manageable existing debt
• A repayment that fits comfortably within your budget

A deposit, where possible