The amount you borrow
Your loan amount is usually the purchase price minus your deposit. Borrowing less generally means a lower monthly repayment and less interest over the life of the loan.
Bond Repayment Calculator
Estimate your monthly home-loan repayment, total repayable amount, and interest.
Calculate your bond repayment
Enter the property price, deposit, interest rate, and loan term to estimate your repayment.
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The simple version
How does a bond repayment work?
A bond repayment is the amount you pay the bank each month for your home loan. It covers part of the money you borrowed and part of the interest charged by the bank.
The interest rate
The interest rate is what the bank charges for lending you the money. Even a small rate difference can change both your monthly payment and the total amount you repay.
The loan term
A longer term can make the monthly repayment smaller, but you normally pay more interest overall. A shorter term costs more each month but can reduce the total interest.
Easy way to remember it:
a smaller loan, a lower interest rate or a shorter repayment period can reduce the total cost of your home loan.
Frequently asked questions
Bond repayments, without the jargon
Is the calculator result the amount the bank will charge me?
Not necessarily. The calculator gives you a useful estimate. Your final repayment depends on the loan amount, interest rate and term approved by the bank, as well as any fees or insurance included in your agreement.
Does a deposit reduce my monthly repayment?
Usually, yes. A deposit reduces the amount you need to borrow. That can lower your monthly repayment and the total interest charged over the loan term.
Why can my repayment change when interest rates change?
Most South African home loans have a variable interest rate linked to the prime lending rate. If that rate moves up or down, your monthly repayment can change too.
Should I choose a 20-year or 30-year bond?
A 30-year term can reduce the required monthly payment, but it normally increases the total interest paid. Choose a term that remains affordable while keeping the overall cost in mind.
What happens if I pay extra into my bond?
Extra payments reduce the outstanding balance sooner. Depending on your loan agreement, this can shorten the repayment period and save a meaningful amount of interest.
Does qualifying for the repayment mean my bond is approved?
No. The bank still checks your income, expenses, credit record, existing debt, deposit and the property itself. A calculator is a planning tool, not an approval decision.