Documents required
- Passport copy
- Proof of foreign residential address
- 3–6 months bank statements
- 3 months payslips or financial statements if self-employed
Property Finance for Non-Residents
Property finance guidance for non-resident buyers
South African property investment for non-residents can be completed remotely, but bona fide non-residents generally need a minimum 50% cash deposit with the balance financed through a South African bond structure subject to bank approval.
Multistep intake
Start your property finance route
South African property investment for non-residents can be completed remotely, but bona fide non-residents generally need a minimum 50% cash deposit with the balance financed through a South African bond structure subject to bank approval.
Move through one simple consultation form, create your client area access, and let fulfilment continue from CRM. Property listings for sale will be added here in a future release.
Step-by-step route
How the non-resident property finance process works
Step 1 — Initial consultation & pre-qualification
Assess financial profile, confirm non-resident status, determine affordability and estimate deposit plus transfer and bond costs.
Step 2 — Secure the property
Identify the investment property, sign an Offer to Purchase and ideally include a bond approval condition.
Step 3 — Deposit transfer (50%)
Transfer the minimum deposit from a foreign bank account and retain SWIFT confirmation for exchange-control compliance.
Step 4 — Bond application submission
Prepare and submit the full bond application while managing documentation and compliance with the bank.
Step 5 — Property valuation
The bank appoints an independent valuer and the facility is based on the lower of the purchase price or valuation.
Step 6 — Open a South African bank account
Needed for bond repayments and rental income where relevant, with Citiview assisting on compliance documentation.
Step 7 — Bond & transfer attorney process
Transfer and bond attorneys prepare documents, arrange signatures and proceed to registration at the Deeds Office.
Step 8 — Property registration
Once registered, the property transfers into your name and the bond is activated.
Important financial considerations
- 50% deposit required
- Transfer duty where applicable
- Attorney costs
- Bond registration costs
- Monthly bond repayments
- Mandatory building insurance