Phoenix Bonds - Your Bond Originators in South Africa

If you earn a basic salary plus commission, overtime, or bonuses, you’re not alone. In South Africa, many professionals — from salespeople to nurses to freelancers — have variable income structures.

But when it comes to applying for a home loan, it’s important to understand how banks view this kind of income. Spoiler alert: it’s not treated the same as a guaranteed salary.

Here’s what you need to know.

In South Africa, owning a home is a major milestone — and for many, that journey begins with qualifying for a home loan. While income, credit score, and expenses are the main ingredients banks assess, there’s another factor that plays a bigger role than most people realise: your level of education.

Here’s why having a diploma, degree, or other post-matric qualification can significantly increase your chances of getting that all-important home loan approval.

Most people think that once they’ve submitted their home loan application, it heads straight to a credit analyst who decides whether it’s approved or declined. In reality, there’s a lot that happens before it even reaches a credit analyst’s desk — and if you’re not prepared, your application might not even make it that far.

Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the early part of the bond journey — and why preparation is everything.

When most people think about a home loan, they only think about debt — a long-term commitment to repay the bank. But what if we told you that your home loan could be your most powerful savings tool and also your cheapest source of credit?

Welcome to the world of access bonds (also known as access facilities). If you have a home loan in South Africa — or plan to get one — understanding how an access facility works can put you in a far better financial position in the long run.

The 2008 Global Financial Crisis exposed critical weaknesses in the global banking system. Banks around the world—including some of the largest—were undercapitalized, over-leveraged, and heavily reliant on short-term funding. When property markets collapsed and mortgage-backed securities went sour, these weaknesses triggered a domino effect of financial failures.

To restore confidence, ensure financial stability, and protect economies from future shocks, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision introduced Basel III, an internationally agreed set of banking regulations.

The Mortgage Origination Council of South Africa (MORCSA) serves as a pivotal industry body representing mortgage originators—professionals who facilitate home loan applications between prospective homeowners and financial institutions. Established by leading origination firms such as Ooba, BetterLife Group, and Multi Net Real Estate, MORCSA advocates for industry standards, consumer protection, and regulatory clarity in South Africa’s home financing sector.

When it comes to long-term wealth building, property investment remains one of the most reliable and accessible strategies—especially in South Africa where demand for rental housing continues to grow. One powerful approach to property investment is using rental income to cover your bond and related costs, a model that, if planned carefully, can generate wealth through both cash flow and capital appreciation.

n South Africa, it’s not uncommon to face financial shortfalls before payday. For many, the quick fix seems to be a temporary loan — fast cash with little paperwork. But what looks like a lifeline can actually turn into a long-term financial anchor, especially if you’re dreaming of buying a home.

Here’s why temp loans can be far more damaging than helpful — and why using your overdraft facility (if you have one) might be a smarter move.

In South Africa, your credit profile is one of the most important tools lenders use to assess your ability to manage debt. But have you ever wondered how your credit information actually gets to the credit bureaus — and why sometimes, not all the bureaus have the same information?

Buying a home in South Africa is one of the most significant financial decisions many people make. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner, your mortgage (also known locally as a home loan) is likely to be your largest long-term debt. Understanding how mortgage interest works — and how to pay less of it — can help you save hundreds of thousands of rand over time.