How to get a bond if you’re self employed

While there may be additional information required to successfully be granted a home loan, being self-employed should not be seen as an obstacle to accessing finance.

The ins and outs of subject to bond approval clauses

Obtaining a bond can seem like a lengthy and complicated process, particularly for those who are self-employed. However, while there may be additional information required to successfully be granted a home loan, being self-employed should not be seen as an obstacle to accessing finance.

The reality is that financial institutions need to ensure that a loan will be honoured and repaid, and without a regular salary slip, it can be a little trickier to prove one’s affordability, and therefore one’s likelihood of repaying a home loan in the required timeframe.

Most importantly, it is essential that all finances and taxes are in order and up to date. With this in place, the following documents should be compiled as part of a bond application:

  • Comparative financial information for the last 24 months
  • A signed letter from an auditor confirming your personal income
  • A cashflow forecast for the next 12 months
  • A statement of assets and liabilities
  • Individual and business bank statements
  • Confirmation from SARS that your tax is in order (IT34)
  • Relevant documents relating to the company, trust or CC
  • ID documents for all directors, trustees or members
  • Any additional supporting documents

Note: the above list is not exhaustive and the exact requirements may vary from bank to bank.

The list of required documentation can seem daunting at first, but with the assistance of a professional tax practitioner or auditor, it becomes simpler.

In addition to these documents, it is important, as it is with all bond applicants, to ensure that your credit rating is in good shape. Make sure that your credit history is in good standing and that there are no judgments against your name. It is also important to manage your monthly finances carefully to be able to show the appropriate amount of regular and disposable income.

Following these guidelines and ensuring all documentation is in order will make the process of applying for a home loan, and therefore buying a home, easier, smoother and ultimately more successful.

Follow Snymans on Facebook for more legal advice, information and news about property.

Recommended for you

Transfer and Bond Calculators
Property Finance

What if a previous owner owes money to the local authority?[post_view before=""]

Can a local authority refuse to open a new owner’s account when the previous owner still owes the local authority an outstanding amount? This question was dealt with by the High Court of South Africa, Gauteng Division, in July 2022, when a newly registered owner took the previous owner – as well as the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality as second Respondent – to court.  

Read More
Transfer and Bond Calculators
Property Finance

Fixed vs variable interest rates[post_view before=""]

You’ve finally found your perfect home, made an offer and applied for finance to assist with your purchase. But when you receive the mortgage letter from the bank, you’re left trying to understand unfamiliar terms and concepts including prime interest rates, repo rates, and fixed or variable interest. Here’s what you need to know to make sense of it all.

Read More
Transfer and Bond Calculators
Property Finance

Transfer and Bond Calculators[post_view before=""]

Buying a home is an overwhelming enough task without being hit by unforeseen costs. The best way of avoiding unpleasant and costly surprises is by carefully looking at your affordability and making use of convenient tools such as transfer cost calculators and bond calculators to simplify the process.

Read More
Your bond application: A key ingredient to the property transfer
Property Finance

Your bond application: A key ingredient to the property transfer[post_view before=""]

Buying a new property is simultaneously an exciting and stressful experience. One of the important processes that can be quite overwhelming for buyers is the bond application process which is a key element of most property purchases which is why you should get your ducks in a row to have the best chance of success.

Read More
Your bond application: A key ingredient to the property transfer
Property Finance

Your bond settlement amount – a brief guide[post_view before=""]

The sale of a property can often bring with it unforeseen expenses, but this needn’t be the case. To take the mystery out of bond settlement costs, we have put together this brief overview so that sellers can plan appropriately and avoid being caught off guard.

Read More

Need more Snymans content?

Sign up for our monthly newsletter.

How to get a bond if you’re self employed

While there may be additional information required to successfully be granted a home loan, being self-employed should not be seen as an obstacle to accessing finance.

The ins and outs of subject to bond approval clauses

Obtaining a bond can seem like a lengthy and complicated process, particularly for those who are self-employed. However, while there may be additional information required to successfully be granted a home loan, being self-employed should not be seen as an obstacle to accessing finance.

The reality is that financial institutions need to ensure that a loan will be honoured and repaid, and without a regular salary slip, it can be a little trickier to prove one’s affordability, and therefore one’s likelihood of repaying a home loan in the required timeframe.

Most importantly, it is essential that all finances and taxes are in order and up to date. With this in place, the following documents should be compiled as part of a bond application:

  • Comparative financial information for the last 24 months
  • A signed letter from an auditor confirming your personal income
  • A cashflow forecast for the next 12 months
  • A statement of assets and liabilities
  • Individual and business bank statements
  • Confirmation from SARS that your tax is in order (IT34)
  • Relevant documents relating to the company, trust or CC
  • ID documents for all directors, trustees or members
  • Any additional supporting documents

Note: the above list is not exhaustive and the exact requirements may vary from bank to bank.

The list of required documentation can seem daunting at first, but with the assistance of a professional tax practitioner or auditor, it becomes simpler.

In addition to these documents, it is important, as it is with all bond applicants, to ensure that your credit rating is in good shape. Make sure that your credit history is in good standing and that there are no judgments against your name. It is also important to manage your monthly finances carefully to be able to show the appropriate amount of regular and disposable income.

Following these guidelines and ensuring all documentation is in order will make the process of applying for a home loan, and therefore buying a home, easier, smoother and ultimately more successful.

Follow Snymans on Facebook for more legal advice, information and news about property.