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, save the order into CRM, and continue to checkout in a single flow.
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