Finance Atlas
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Home Loan & Property Calculators

Price your bond, see how extra payments cut years off it, compare offers from multiple banks, and budget the once-off costs of buying property in South Africa — transfer duty, attorney and Deeds Office fees included.

Buying and Paying Off a Home in South Africa

A home loan (bond) is the largest debt most South Africans will ever take on. Getting the structure right — the rate, the term, the deposit, the extra payments — can save you hundreds of thousands of rand over the life of the bond. Getting it wrong can cost you the same amount. This hub brings together the calculators and guides you need to make the right decisions at every stage: affordability, comparison, repayment, and early payoff.

Where to start

  • If you're thinking about buying, start with the Bond Affordability Calculator to see what price property you can afford, then use the Transfer Cost Calculator to budget for the once-off costs.
  • If you're comparing bond offers, use the to put up to three offers side by side — the cheapest total cost wins.
  • If you already have a bond, the Extra Payment Calculator shows how much interest you save by paying more each month — usually the best financial move you can make.
  • If you're considering settling your bond, use the Bond Settlement Calculator to see the settlement amount and the interest you save.

The single most important decision: the term

The bond term (20 vs 30 years) has a bigger impact on your total cost than the interest rate. A R1,200,000 bond at 11.25% over 20 years costs about R1,850,000 in interest; over 30 years, it costs about R2,960,000 — over R1,000,000 more, for a monthly instalment that's only R1,100 less. Always choose the shortest term you can afford, and read our blog post on 20-year vs 30-year bonds for the full breakdown.

See our guides on the home buying process and paying off your bond early for the full strategy.

Questions

How much deposit do I need for a home loan in South Africa?

Most banks require a minimum 10% deposit, but 20% gets you a better interest rate and lower monthly costs. A 20% deposit on a R1,500,000 property is R300,000 — plus about R55,000 in once-off transfer and bond registration costs. See our deposit guide for the full breakdown.

How much do I save by paying extra into my bond?

On a R1,200,000 bond at 11.25% over 20 years, an extra R1,000/month saves about R330,000 in interest and cuts about 3.5 years off the term. Use the Extra Payment Calculator to see the exact numbers for your bond.

Can I settle my bond early?

Yes. Under the NCA, you can settle your bond early at any time. The lender may charge a settlement fee capped at 90 days' interest on the outstanding balance. Use the Bond Settlement Calculator to see the settlement amount and the interest you save.