Who qualifies
- Your household earns between R3,501 and R22,000 a month, before tax
- You're a South African citizen or permanent resident, 18 or older
- You've never owned a home and never had a government housing subsidy
You can only get it once.
How much
It's a sliding scale: the less you earn, the more you get. At R3,501 to R3,700 a month it's R169,264.60. At R21,801 to R22,000 it's R38,911.40. The money goes towards your home loan or deposit, lowering what you have to borrow.
How to apply
First you need a home loan approved in principle by a registered lender. Then you apply at fhf.nhfc.co.za, yourself or through your consultant.
Nobody may charge you a fee for a First Home Finance application. If someone asks for one, say no.
Application windows
The programme stopped taking new applications in April 2026 when its money ran out, then opened a new window. The NHFC says the current window closes on 30 October 2026 at 17:00. After that, applications wait for the next window. Check the NHFC's site for the current dates before you plan around it.
Questions people ask
Is FLISP still available in 2026?
Yes, as First Home Finance, but in application windows. The current one closes on 30 October 2026 at 17:00, according to the NHFC.
Can I use First Home Finance with a 100% bond?
Yes. It can go with a home loan, an unsecured housing loan, a pension-backed loan, savings and other kinds of finance.
Where this comes from
- NHFC: First Home Finance (read 11 Oct 2026)
- NHFC home page (application window closes 30 October 2026, 17:00) (read 11 Oct 2026)
- First Home Finance: application checklist (read 11 Oct 2026)
- EWN: First Home Finance applications paused when funds ran out (31 Jul 2026)
Checked October 2026.