Home Loans
When the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) announces changes to the repo rate, the media goes into overdrive: “Interest rates hiked!” or “Rate cuts bring relief!” But what does this really mean for your home loan - and do banks really borrow money from SARB before lending it to you? Let’s break it down...
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When shopping for a home loan, most buyers hope to “negotiate the best rate” — and rightly so. Even a small discount on your interest rate can save you hundreds of thousands of rand over the life of your bond. But how do banks actually decide what rate to offer, and why are there limits to how low they can go? Let’s unpack the reality.
As an estate agent, you’re often the first person a buyer turns to when making one of the biggest financial decisions of their life. And while buyers may feel confident approaching their own bank directly, or even another bond originator, part of your role is helping them make the smartest choice. Here’s how to confidently explain why working with a Phoenix Bonds broker is the best move for every situation.
Not too long ago, many South Africans had a “bank manager” they knew by name. You could walk into a branch, sit down with someone who understood your history, and negotiate based on loyalty, trust, and the length of your relationship with the bank. That era is gone. Today, banking has shifted dramatically. The focus is no longer on long-standing relationships - it’s on numbers, profitability, fees, and risk management. Decisions are increasingly centralised, automated, and driven by algorithms that assess affordability, risk, and return.
The real estate industry is built on relationships, timing, and trust. But as your business grows, keeping track of leads, clients, and follow-ups becomes overwhelming. Sticky notes, WhatsApp messages, and spreadsheets can only take you so far. That’s where a CRM (Customer Relationship Management system) changes the game. If you’re not using one yet, it’s time to seriously consider it.
For both buyers and sellers, clarity on the fulfilment of the bond (financing) suspensive clause is crucial. Under South African law, and in particular the National Credit Act, knowing whether “grant of bond” or “acceptance by the purchaser” triggers fulfilment can determine whether a sale proceeds - or can be lawfully challenged.
On July 31, 2025, the SARB cut its key policy (repo) rate by 25 basis points to 7%, also marking a shift in its inflation target preference. Going forward, the bank will aim for the bottom of its inflation band (3%–6%), effectively pushing for a 3% target rather than the mid-point of 4.5%.
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.
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