When it comes to securing a loan to build a new home, it is essential for the owner to provide a range of additional documents to the financial institution before the loan will be finalised or payments can be made to the builders.

According to The Property Factor’s Tess Rodrigues, anyone who wants to use bank finance to build a new property must provide copies of the plans, a copy of the tender and building contract, a certificate from the National Home Builders’ Registration Council (NHBRC) and a schedule of finishes along with a detailed list of specifications.

The other standard documents, such as an Offer to Purchase, identity documents of the owners and proof of income must also be supplied.

Should the bank approve the loan, the conveyancing attorneys then needs to have the mandatory FICA documents, a copy of the approved plans from the municipal authority, a building contract and a waiver of a lien from the builder, a copy of the builder’s insurance certificate and proof that the property has been enrolled with the NHBRC.

The owner of the property will usually be granted a bond based on the value of the land and the improvements to it, which normally includes the buildings. Thus if the bank grants an 80% bond it means that the owner will have to find the balance of 20% on transfer of the property and registration of the bond.

Rodrigues says that the first stage of building has to be financed by the owner and only after that will the bank allow progress payments to be made to the builder. The progress payment must also be authorised by a bank’s valuer who will assess the work done and its approximate value.

Rodrigues says that generally banks will make four or five progress payments to the builder but as soon as the first payment is made, the owner’s home loan account is debited and this amount attracts interest from the outset and must be paid monthly.

She warns that anyone considering building a home should be thoroughly familiar with the loan terms and conditions otherwise he or she might be stuck with an incomplete home that needs to be completed.

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Speak to a home loan consultant about financing your new property or reviewing your existing mortgage. We are able to assist in lowering your bond repayments and securing attorney discounts.

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The word “home loan” or “mortgage” have exactly the same meaning. Since most of us do not have enough money to pay cash for a home, we need to apply for a home loan or mortgage from a bank to assist us with the purchase

If you found the home of your dreams and the bank grants you a home loan then your bank will pay the owner of that property. Thereafter you will have to start to making monthly repayments to pay off the debt you now have

Although the definition of a home loan is straightforward, the actual process is very detailed in nature. Here are some basics about home loans that you should know.

Home loan amortization

Amortization is a term used to describe the payment of a homeloan through a schedule of systematic payments. You will have to keep up with your monthly payments to the bank until your home loan is paid in full.

Your monthly payments are made up of principle (the original loan amount) and interest payments. A loan amortization schedule shows the allocation of each loan payment to interest and principle

Loan Term

Your loan term is the amount of time it takes you to pay off your loan. The loan term can vary from 5-30 years, although most people in South Africa, prefer a 20 year loan term.

The longer you take to pay off your loan the lower your monthly repayments will be, but at the same time the interest that you will be paying will be much higher.

Types of Mortgages

The most common ones in South Africa are the fixed, variable rate mortgage as well as, more recently, the interest only mortgage.

A fixed rate mortgage means that your repayments remain the same over a certain period. The only increase that you can expect is the result of increases in insurance rates and property taxes.

With a variable rate mortgage your monthly repayments will fluctuate. If interest rates are going down your monthly repayments will decrease, but should rates go up your payment will increase accordingly.

With an interest only mortgage you only pay off the interest on your loan and delay the repayment of the principle debt. However, you will have to settle the debt eventually by either restructuring your payments or by selling your home.

Financial Calculators
If you are comparing either a fixed, variable or interest only mortgage home loan, then you could use one of our financial calculators to help you decide.

You should now have a much better understanding of what a home loan or alternatively a mortgage is.

For a more detailed discussion on various subjects you can call us on (011)327-4489 or go to www.mortgagepluscc.co.za