01
Loan amount
The purchase price minus your deposit. A bigger deposit shrinks the loan, your repayment and the total interest you pay.
South African home loan & bond repayment calculator
Work out your monthly bond repayment, see how much you can afford, and compare what you’d save by switching banks or refinancing. All in one free calculator.
The four numbers that matter
What goes into your home loan repayment
Every South African bond comes down to the same levers. Move any one of them in the calculator above and watch your monthly figure respond.
02
Interest rate
Priced off the 10.5% prime rate. A strong profile may earn prime or below; a quarter-percent still moves your repayment meaningfully.
03
Loan term
Usually 20 years in South Africa. A longer term lowers the monthly amount but adds a lot of interest over the life of the bond.
04
Upfront costs
Beyond the deposit, budget for transfer duty and bond registration, payable before the property transfers into your name.
Home loan questions, answered
South African home loans, in plain language
How is my home loan repayment calculated?
Your monthly bond repayment is based on the loan amount (purchase price less your deposit), the annual interest rate and the loan term. South African home loans amortise on a standard formula, so early payments lean toward interest and shift toward capital over time. The Repayment tab works this out instantly and adds transfer duty and bond registration costs.
What is the prime lending rate in South Africa right now?
The prime lending rate is currently 10.5%. Most home loans are priced relative to prime: a strong applicant may be offered prime or below, while a higher-risk profile may pay prime plus a margin. Every calculator here defaults to 10.5%, and you can adjust the rate to match your bank's offer.
How much can I afford to borrow?
As a guideline, South African banks cap your bond repayment at roughly 30% of your gross monthly income, reduced by existing debt. Open the Affordability tab, enter your income, expenses and debt, and see the maximum home loan and property price you're likely to qualify for.
How much deposit do I need?
Many banks offer 100% home loans, so a deposit isn't always required. But a deposit of 10–20% lowers your repayment, improves your chances of approval and can secure a better rate. The repayment calculator shows the effect of any deposit the moment you change it.
Can I switch my home loan to another bank?
Yes. Bond switching means moving your existing loan to a different bank for a lower rate. It registers as a new bond, so there are cancellation and registration costs, but a lower rate usually recovers these within one to three years. The Switch tab shows your monthly and lifetime saving.
What does it cost to refinance or access equity?
Refinancing (a re-advance or further bond) lets you borrow against the equity you've built as your value rises and your bond reduces. Banks typically lend up to about 100% of a fresh valuation, subject to affordability. The Refinance tab shows your available equity, new repayment and loan-to-value ratio.
See what your money can buy
Every Plotwise listing shows an estimated monthly bond repayment, so you can browse houses and apartments across South Africa that fit the numbers above.