Insights

Insights - News Blog

From category archives: Phoenix Bonds News Blog

First-time Home Buyer

The Property Economy: Insights by Dr Botha (Sep 2025)

South Africans are starting to feel a little financial relief. The latest Household Resilience Index shows families are stronger than before, while booming exports and record trade surpluses are boosting the economy. In his monthly update for Phoenix Bonds, economist Dr. Roelof Botha explains what this means for interest rates, affordability, and your property journey.

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How the Repo Rate Influences Prime – And Where Banks Really Get Their Money to Lend

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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Understanding Home Loan Interest Rates in South Africa – And How Low You Can Go

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.

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Identity Fraud in South Africa: Why You Should Check Your Credit Before Buying a Home

Identity fraud is a growing problem in South Africa, and unfortunately many people only discover it when it’s already caused serious damage. At Phoenix Bonds, we’ve seen cases where clients only realise something is wrong when they apply for a home loan and the bank pulls their credit report.

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How to Talk to Buyers About Using a Bond Originator

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.

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How Real Estate Agents Can Get the Most Out of Property Portals

Love them or hate them, property portals like Property24 and Private Property are a necessary part of doing business in real estate. Buyers use them daily to search for homes, compare options, and reach out to agents - which means if you’re not making the most of them, you’re leaving opportunities on the table. The good news? With the right approach, portals can be more than just a lead generator - they can be a powerful tool to grow your brand and income.

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Why Buyers Go Silent – And What That Really Means

If you’ve been in real estate for any amount of time, you’ve probably experienced it: A buyer makes an enquiry, you reach out, maybe even connect them to a bond originator for prequalification… and then silence. No calls back, no emails, nothing. It’s easy to assume they’re being rude or that they’ve lost interest - but the truth is often very different.

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When Is the Bond Clause in a Sale Agreement Actually Met?

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.

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SARB’s new inflation target and its potential effects on the SA economy

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%.

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How Banks View Commission and Overtime When You Apply for a Home Loan 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.

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