Home Buyer FAQ
Our FAQ section covers the most common questions homebuyers ask about our developments, the buying process and how pre-approval works. Everything is explained simply to help you make confident decisions.
NEW DEVELOPMENTS FAQ
These FAQ cover the most common questions South Africans ask about buying in a new development. It includes safety, deposits, costs, warranties and what to expect when choosing a newly built home.
A new development home is a brand-new property built in a newly planned housing project. Buyers benefit from modern designs, energy-efficient features and in most cases, no transfer duty, which reduces the total cost.
You qualify based on your credit score, income, monthly expenses and affordability. A quick pre-approval shows exactly what you can afford before choosing a development.
Often yes. New developments offer lower maintenance, energy-efficient finishes, modern layouts and no transfer duty, which makes them more affordable for first-time buyers.
Not always. Some developers offer zero-deposit options depending on bank approval and project terms.
You usually pay:
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Bond registration fees
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Monthly levies (if sectional title)
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Home insurance
Most developments have no transfer duty, which saves thousands.
Look at location, growth trends, rental demand, levies, security and developer reputation. Areas in growing Gauteng corridors often show strong long-term value.
Yes. NHBRC typically covers structure for 5 years, plus a 3-month defects list period. Many developers offer extra workmanship guarantees.
Most new developments include controlled access, electric fencing, cameras or patrols, offering stronger security than older standalone homes.
Property FAQ
Our Property FAQ explains everything from qualifying for a home loan to understanding deposits, transfer costs and credit scores. All simplified for South African homebuyers.
You can check via online tools, but a bond originator gives a more accurate number by comparing all banks at once.
Most banks approve from about 615+, but better scores get better rates. A bond originator can check all banks and show your best option.
Some buyers get 100% bonds, but a 10% deposit improves your chances and lowers your monthly instalment.
Yes. Many banks offer 100% bonds for qualified first-time buyers, depending on income, credit score and affordability.
Common extras include:
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Bond registration fees
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Municipal deposits
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Moving costs
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Levies (if sectional title)
Transfers take 6–12 weeks, depending on bank timelines, attorneys and municipal clearances.
You start paying after the property registers at the Deeds Office. Not when you apply or when the bank approves.
Yes. You get lower maintenance costs, modern finishes, better energy efficiency, higher security, and strong long-term value growth in developing areas.
PRE-APPROVAL & Home Loan FAQ
This FAQ section breaks down pre-approval, affordability, credit checks, documents and how the home loan process works in South Africa, so you know exactly what to expect at each step.
Our online pre-approval takes 2 minutes and requires no documents upfront. It gives you an instant view of what you can afford before applying formally at the banks.
Not for the initial pre-approval. You only upload documents later when the more in depth pre-approval is done. Then you will need to supply the following:
– Copy of ID
– Latest 3 months payslips
– Latest 3 months bank statements
No, but it gives a strong indication of what you qualify for. Final approval depends on your credit profile, income stability, bank requirements, and the property you buy.
Yes, you can still get pre-approved, but the system may offer a lower amount. If your credit score is very low, we’ll guide you on how to fix it.
Most pre-approvals are valid for 90 days, depending on the issuer. You can recheck your affordability anytime.
Yes, banks verify employment and income. It’s standard for preventing fraud and making sure you can afford the bond.
There’s no fixed minimum. Banks focus on affordability, credit score, and debt levels, not just your salary amount.
Yes. You’ll just need extra documents like bank statements and financials, as banks need to verify stable income.
A bond originator can resubmit to other banks, improve your application, or identify issues in your credit profile.
No. Our pre-approval uses a soft check that does not lower your credit score. Only full bank applications use a full credit check.
Costs, Fees & Transfer FAQ
These FAQ explain all the costs involved when buying a property, including transfer fees, transfer duty, bond registration fees and upfront expenses for new developments.
On most new developments, transfer duty is zero, because the developer is VAT-registered. You only pay bond registration costs if you take a home loan.
Banks charge:
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Bond registration fees
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Initiation fee
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Deeds Office fee
Applications themselves are free.
These are attorney fees for registering your loan at the Deeds Office. They include:
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bond registration fee
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bank initiation fee
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deeds office fee
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FICA fee
The cost depends on the loan amount.
A once-off fee charged by the bank when your loan is activated. It can be added to the loan or paid in cash.
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Transfer duty = Tax paid to SARS (R0 on new developments)
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Transfer fees = Attorney fees for legally transferring the property
Levies are monthly fees paid by owners in sectional-title complexes for maintenance, security, insurance and communal services.
Only once your bond is approved and the attorneys begin the bond registration process. Not when you apply.
For a new development, you typically only need:
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Bond registration fees
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Deposit (if required by developer — not always)
Everything else is included in the purchase price.
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New Development Living faq
This FAQ covers everyday living questions about new developments: security, fibre, energy efficiency, pets, finishes, warranties and what to expect once you move in.
Living in a new development offers modern layouts, better energy efficiency, new finishes, and safer community layouts. It also means fewer repair costs because everything is newly built.
Only if phases are still being built. Once your phase is completed, construction noise usually reduces significantly. Developers must follow building-time laws.
Generally yes. Most new developments include updated security, controlled access and modern boundary walls designed with safety regulations in mind.
Most modern developments in SA include fibre-ready infrastructure. You simply activate a package with your chosen ISP. However this is not guaranteed.
Yes. New builds often include LED lighting, better insulation, energy-efficient geysers and modern electrical layouts that reduce running costs.
NHBRC typically provides a 5-year structural warranty and 3-month minor defect correction period. Some developers offer additional workmanship warranties.
Yes. Sectional title units have a body corporate; freehold estates have a homeowners’ association. These manage rules, maintenance, and common areas.
Levies vary depending on the estate size, security, and amenities. New developments often have lower levies in the first years because maintenance is minimal.
Some developers offer upgrade packages (tiles, cupboards, counters). Others follow a fixed spec for affordability. Always check with the sales team upfront.
It depends on the specific estate rules. Many townhouse and estate developments allow small pets with written approval, while apartments often have stricter limits.
Process & Documents faq
Our Process & Documents FAQ explains which documents you need, how the OTP and transfer process works, when attorneys contact you, and what banks require to approve your home loan.
For most buyers: ID, latest payslip and 3 months’ bank statements. Some banks may request additional documents for verification.
Yes. You can get pre-approved first (2 minutes, online, no docs), and submit documents later once you pick a property.
Once you have all your documents ready, a consultant can lodge it within the same day. Usually within minutes.
The OTP is sent to the bank for home loan approval, then attorneys begin the bond registration and transfer process.
Digital copies are accepted by most banks and attorneys. Originals may be required later for FICA or final verification.
The bank may request clarifications or additional proof. Your consultant will guide you on exactly what is required.
Yes, most banks accept digital copies. Originals may be required later for FICA.
After your home loan is approved, the bond attorney will request FICA documents to proceed with registration.
They will need: ID, proof of address, marriage certificates (if applicable), SARS tax number and banking details.
You sign bond documents at the bank-appointed attorneys once your home loan is granted. They’ll contact you to book an appointment.