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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 Many agents fall into the trap of relying on outdated sales data - comparing what sold six months ago.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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Understanding Home Loan Interest Rates in South Africa – And How Low You Can Go

When shopping for a home loan, most buyers hope to "negotiate the best rate" — and rightly so. Even a small discount on your interest rate can save you hundreds of thousands of rand over the life of your bond. But how do banks actually decide what rate to offer, and why are there limits to how low they can go? Let's un

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Identity Fraud in South Africa: Why You Should Check Your Credit Before Buying a Home

Identity fraud is a growing problem in South Africa, and unfortunately many people only discover it when it's already caused serious damage. At Phoenix Bonds, we've seen cases where clients only realise something is wrong when they apply for a home loan and the bank pulls their credit report.

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How to Talk to Buyers About Using a Bond Originator

As an estate agent, you're often the first person a buyer turns to when making one of the biggest financial decisions of their life. And while buyers may feel confident approaching their own bank directly, or even another bond originator, part of your role is helping them make the smartest choice.

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Why Relationship Banking No Longer Exists in South Africa

Not too long ago, many South Africans had a "bank manager" they knew by name. You could walk into a branch, sit down with someone who understood your history, and negotiate based on loyalty, trust, and the length of your relationship with the bank. That era is gone.

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SARB’s new inflation target and its potential effects on the SA economy

On July 31, 2025, the SARB cut its key policy (repo) rate by 25 basis points to 7%, also marking a shift in its inflation target preference. Going forward, the bank will aim for the bottom of its inflation band (3%–6%), effectively pushing for a 3% target rather than the mid-point of 4.5%.

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Investment Opportunities in the Western Cape

With lower vacancies and lower tenant defaults, investors are recognising the attractive financial benefits of residential opportunities in the Western Cape.

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Saratoga Estate, Midrand

Saratoga Estate is an exclusive new development in Beaulieu, Midrand — halfway between Johannesburg and Centurion.

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