Insights

Insights - News Blog

From monthly archives: May 2025

We are pleased to present below all posts archived in 'May 2025'. If you still can't find what you are looking for, try using the search box.

Why an Access Facility on Your Home Loan Is the Smartest Way to Save — and Borrow

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.

Read the rest of entry »

BASEL III – What it means for banks and home loans in South Africa

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.

Read the rest of entry »

Who is MORCSA to a mortgage originator?

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.

Read the rest of entry »

Building Wealth Through Property: Using Rental Income to Grow Your Portfolio

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.

Read the rest of entry »

Why Temp Loans Wreck Your Credit Score and Stop You from Getting a Home Loan

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.

Read the rest of entry »

How Lenders Report to South Africa’s Credit Bureaus — and What That Means for You

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?

Read the rest of entry »

How to pay less interest on your home loan

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.

 

Read the rest of entry »

How South African Banks Statistically Assess Home Loan Risk

When most South Africans apply for a home loan, they're told the basics: improve your credit score, keep your debt-to-income ratio low, and ensure you can afford the repayments. But what happens behind the scenes once your application hits a bank’s credit risk engine is far more complex — and it's grounded in advanced statistical analysis, predictive modeling, and geographic risk profiling.

This article explores how banks in South Africa assess home loan applications through a lens of statistical risk mitigation, going beyond the surface-level criteria and into the data-driven processes used to manage exposure to default.

Read the rest of entry »

Was your home loan declined? You’re entitled to answers.

It happens far too often: a hopeful homebuyer applies for a bond, only to be told that their application was declined—without a proper explanation. Many people assume that’s the end of the road, and they walk away discouraged, confused, and unsure of what went wrong.

But here’s the truth: You have the right to know why your application was declined. In fact, South African law is very clear on this.

Read the rest of entry »

Subscription

Get the latest updates in your email box automatically.

Search

Archive