Property
South Africa — Property: Mortgage Availability
The South African repo rate rose to 7.25% in September 2026 after hikes in May and September, lifting mortgage costs; prime stood at 10.50% in July.
VerifiedGovernment / official sourceSouth African Reserve Bank — repo rate decisions 2026Last reviewed: 2026-10-23
Key facts
- The repo rate was 6.75% until the MPC raised it to 7.00% on 28 May 2026, held it in July, and raised it to 7.25% in September 2026.
- The prime lending rate was 10.50% after the May hike; prime after September was not stated in the sources.
- Mortgage rates track prime, so each repo move changes bond repayments.
- Sources differ on the effective date of the September hike (25 September versus 1 October).
Steps
- Research Lenders and Products — Relocating individuals should research South African banks and mortgage products to understand the available options and requirements.
- Check Credit Score and History — It's essential to have a good credit score and history in South Africa, as lenders use this information to assess creditworthiness.