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Posts from 2025

Articles published during this year.

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Why Serviceability Matters More Than Collateral in Home Loans

When speaking to buyers, one of the most common misconceptions we hear at Phoenix Bonds is:

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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

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Why Your Bank Is Rigid, But Your Mortgage Broker Doesn’t Have to Be

When applying for a home loan, many buyers assume that the bank they already use for their everyday banking will automatically be the best choice. After all, the bank knows your salary, your spending habits, and your history. But the reality is that banks are rigid in how they assess affordability, risk, and pricing. A

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Comparing Loan Products in South Africa: Understanding Rates and Risks

South Africans have access to a wide variety of credit products, each designed for different purposes and each carrying its own cost and level of risk. While credit cards and personal loans may provide quick access to funds, they are usually far more expensive than structured, secured lending such as a home loan. It is

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What Happens If You Miss a Home Loan Repayment in South Africa?

Buying a home is often the biggest financial commitment you'll ever make. But life can be unpredictable — retrenchment, illness, or unexpected expenses can suddenly make it difficult to keep up with monthly bond repayments. Missing a payment doesn't mean you'll automatically lose your home. What matters most is how qui

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First Home Finance (FLISP): What Every First-Time Buyer Should Know

For many South Africans, the dream of owning a first home feels just out of reach. To help bridge the gap, government introduced First Home Finance (formerly known as FLISP) - a subsidy designed to support qualifying first-time buyers.

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The Biggest Missed Opportunity in Home Loans: Future Rental Income

When it comes to applying for a home loan, most buyers are told the same thing: your affordability is based on your current income, debt, and expenses. But there's a powerful lever that often gets ignored by agents, originators, and even the banks themselves: future rental income.

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The Hidden Fees of Home Loans: Where Banks Really Make Their Money

When you apply for a home loan, your focus is almost always on one thing: the interest rate. But there may be other costs we don't think about.

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Why Foreigners Are Treated Like Second-Class Buyers in South Africa

Buying property in South Africa is a dream for many foreigners. From luxury apartments in Cape Town's Atlantic Seaboard to family homes in Sandton or Umhlanga, our property market offers opportunities that are attractive when compared to international prices.

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How to Use Portal Data to Win More Listings

When it comes to winning a seller's mandate, the way you present data can make or break your pitch. Many agents fall into the trap of relying on outdated sales data - comparing what sold six months ago. But the market moves quickly, and sellers want to know what's happening now.

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

Buying a home or investing in property can feel overwhelming when every headline talks about inflation, interest rates, and global uncertainty. That's why we turn to the experts. Dr. Roelof Botha, one of South Africa's most respected economists, has shared his insights into the latest trends shaping household finances,

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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?

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