Most first-time buyers think the biggest obstacle is the deposit.
It’s not.
It’s the upfront costs.
Bond registration and transfer fees can easily add tens of thousands of rands to your purchase. And for many buyers, that’s what delays their dream of owning property.
But here’s what most people don’t know:
Some banks are offering up to 50% discount on bond registration costs for first-time buyers.
Yes. Fifty percent.
That’s not a small saving.
That’s a serious financial advantage.
What Is Bond Registration — And Why Is It So Expensive?
When you take out a home loan, attorneys must register the bond at the Deeds Office. This is a legal requirement.
Those fees are based on your loan amount.
On an average home loan, bond registration costs can range anywhere from:
- R30,000
- R40,000
- R50,000+
Now imagine cutting that in half.
That’s money you could:
- Keep in your savings
- Use for furniture
- Put toward renovations
- Or simply reduce your financial pressure
It Gets Even Better
The discount doesn’t stand alone.
According to the First-Time Buyers Guide to Home Loan Options
First-Time Buyers Guide to Home…
- 100% home loans
- 105% to 110% home loans in certain cases
- Interest rate discounts up to 0.50%
- Loan terms up to 30 years
In some cases, banks may even consider financing transfer and bond registration costs.
When you combine:
- No deposit
- Reduced legal costs
- Interest rate negotiation
The barrier to entry becomes dramatically lower.
Why This Matters More Than You Think
Most buyers delay purchasing property because they believe they need:
- A large deposit
- Huge upfront savings
- Perfect financial positioning
But with:
- Up to 50% off bond registration
- Cost-inclusive loan options
- Competitive interest rate discounts
You may be closer to qualifying than you realise.
The Smart Move for First-Time Buyers
Rather than applying to one bank and hoping for approval, it’s smarter to:
- Apply to multiple banks
- Compare offers
- Negotiate interest rates
- Structure the deal strategically
The difference between one offer and the best offer can save you hundreds of thousands over the lifetime of your bond.
Final Thought
If you’re a first-time buyer, don’t assume you can’t afford it.
There are structured discounts and funding options specifically designed to make entry into the market easier.
And that 50% bond registration saving?
That might be the breakthrough you didn’t know existed.