Individual Housing Subsidy

Our Individual Housing Subsidy programme assists low-income applicants in affording to buy or build their first home. The subsidy is a once-off lump sum of up to R261 000 that goes towards your mortgage bond (home loan), house deposit, or construction to complete your unfinished home.

Important information about the Individual Housing Subsidy:

• You can only claim the subsidy once for your first house purchase.
• If you or your partner have received a subsidy for housing in the past, you can’t apply for this subsidy.
• You can use the subsidy for a house, flat, townhouse, new build, or serviced site.
• The application process will give preference to people older than 35 years.
• People with special needs or disabilities will receive preference.

Who can apply for this subsidy?

You must:

• Be a citizen of South Africa or hold a permanent residency permit.
• Be at least 18 years old.
• Be registered on the Housing Needs database for at least 10 years if you live in the city of Cape Town, or at least 5 years if you live somewhere else in the Western Cape.
• Be married, be living with a partner, or if you’re single, you must show that you have family members or children who are financially dependent on you.
• Show that your maximum monthly income is R3 500 or less.
• Show that you’ve never owned property before. There are some exceptions to this rule, so speak with a representative at your local housing office about your situation.

When can I apply for this subsidy?

The application process opens every year on April 1. The budget for this subsidy is limited, and not everyone who applies will be granted the subsidy or the full amount that they applied for. Once the total budget is distributed, the applications will close until the following 1st of April.

How much money can I get?

This subsidy can only be used once if your application is successful. The subsidy amount is up to R261 000.