Property
Bond pre-approval in South Africa: the complete guide
What banks check before approving your home loan — and exactly how to prepare for it.
A bond pre-approval is more than a courtesy. It is the single biggest signal to a seller and an agent that your offer is real.
What lenders score
- Net disposable income vs instalment
- 6 months of bank statements
- Credit score (Experian, TransUnion, XDS)
- Existing debt commitments
Improve your score in 90 days
- Close inactive store accounts
- Settle revolving credit below 30% of limit
- Avoid new credit applications
Compare home loan rates
See our SA Home Loans vs Nedbank Home Loans breakdown for current prime spreads.