Absa home loans

Lends up to

110% for first-time buyers (the extra 10% for transfer and bond costs), on homes up to R3.6m

Longest term

30 years. 20 years when the loan is above 100%

Attorney fees

50% off bond registration with an Absa-approved attorney

Lower incomes

MyHome, for households earning under R34,800 a month together

Also offers

Building loans, switching your bond to Absa (switching costs covered up to R71,000), and the Eco Home Loan for EDGE-certified homes

Who it suits

First-time buyers without much saved are the obvious fit: 110% means the bank can lend the price plus most of the costs on top of it. The catch is the limits that come with it. The 110% only applies up to a R3.6m price, and a loan above 100% runs over 20 years, not 30, which makes the monthly repayment higher.

Applying to Absa through a consultant

A consultant can put your application to Absa and other banks at the same time. You still deal with Absa's own offer: the rate, the term and the conditions are Absa's decision.