Calculate home loan affordability and monthly bond repayments with accurate 2025 interest rates. Find out how much property you can afford with our free bond calculator.
Calculate bond affordability and monthly repayments
Typically 10-20% of property price
Current prime rate: 11.75% (Dec 2024)
Standard: 20 years
Home loan repayments are calculated using an amortization formula that considers the bond amount, interest rate, and loan term. South African banks use the prime lending rate (currently 11.75%) as the base rate.
Property price minus deposit (typically 10-20%)
Prime rate ±2% based on credit score (11.75% current prime)
20-30 years standard (shorter term = less interest)
Fixed payment covering principal + interest
Banks typically allow up to 30% of gross income for bond repayment
Total debt payments (bond + loans) should be below 40% of gross income
650+ recommended for prime rates, 700+ for best rates
10-20% minimum, larger deposit = better interest rate
Prime -0.5% to Prime
11.25% - 11.75%
Best rates, large deposit, stable income
Prime to Prime +1%
11.75% - 12.75%
Standard rates, 10% deposit
Prime +1% to Prime +2%
12.75% - 13.75%
Higher risk, may need 20% deposit
Current Prime Rate: 11.75% (December 2024). The SARB repo rate is 7.75%. Prime rate = repo rate + 4%. Rates subject to change based on SARB Monetary Policy Committee decisions.