Step 1: Calculate how much you can afford

• Contact Home Loan Capital to determine your budget for a home and estimate your monthly bond repayments.

Step 2: Get pre-qualified

• This step indicates whether you're likely to qualify for a home loan and shows sellers that you're a serious buyer. (Note: Pre-qualification is not a guarantee of home loan approval but provides a good indication.)

Step 3: Find a property

• With a clear understanding of your budget, you can confidently begin your search for a South African home.

Step 4: Sign an Offer to Purchase (OTP)

• The OTP is a legally binding document presented to the seller, typically by the real estate agent. If you're applying for a home loan, make your offer subject to home loan approval.

Step 5: Apply for a home loan

• Submit your signed OTP and other required documents to Home Loan Capital. We'll apply to multiple banks on your behalf and present you with the best options.

Step 6: Insure your home

• Most banks require comprehensive home insurance. BetterSure, our preferred provider, offers competitive homeowners and contents cover, as well as life insurance. Alternatively, you can insure directly with your chosen bank.

Step 7: Instruction is sent

• If the seller has an existing bond, cancellation attorneys are instructed to cancel it. Bank-selected attorneys are instructed to handle the transfer and bond registration.

Step 8: Documents are signed

• Once all conditions are met, transfer and bond documents are drafted and signed by relevant parties.

• As the buyer, you pay all relevant transfer costs.

• The seller pays rates, including advance rates if required.

• Transferring attorneys apply for a transfer duty receipt from SARS, rates clearance certificate, and levy certificate* (if applicable), making necessary payments.

Step 9: Compliance certificates are supplied

• The seller provides electrical, plumbing*, Borer Beetle*, gas*, and electric fence* certificates. (*if applicable)

Step 10: Guarantees are provided

• Attorneys provide guarantees from your bank for the purchase price or balance.

• The existing bond on the property is prepared for cancellation.

• Attorneys ensure FICA compliance to protect against fraud.

Step 11: Lodgement

• When all documents are signed, costs paid, and certificates obtained, documents are prepared for lodgement at the Deeds Office.

Step 12: Registration and proceeds

• Conveyancers appear at the Deeds Office to register the deeds.

• Ownership transfers from seller to buyer.

• Your new bond is registered (if applicable), the seller's existing bond is cancelled (if applicable), and guarantees are paid.

• The seller receives net proceeds, and the real estate agent receives their commission.

Step 13: Homeownership

• The home is transferred to your name, and you become a South African homeowner.

Step 14: After the sale

• Approximately three months later, attorneys receive original Title Deed and bond documents from the Deeds Office. The Title Deed is delivered to the bank (for bonded properties) or to you (for cash sales). Attorneys typically send copies of these documents to both you and the seller.