First Home Finance applications open: Beware of scam targeting applicants
Listen Live
Donate Weather

First Home Finance applications open: Beware of scam targeting applicants

Updated | By Poelano Malema

South Africans applying for the First Home Finance subsidy are being warned about scammers demanding payment to register or apply for the government-backed housing subsidy.

Man holding a key with a house key ring
iStock/ @BrianAJackson

Are you buying a property for the first time and earning less than R22,000 a month? You could be eligible for the First Home Finance subsidy.

The Department of Human Settlements announced the window for new subsidy applications for this year is opened from 3 August until 5 October.

However, before you start your application, there is an important warning to take note of.

The department has issued a scam alert after reports of people being asked to pay a fee to register or apply for the First Home Finance programme.

The department has reminded the public that there is no fee associated with applying for First Home Finance.

"SCAM ALERT, Applying for the First Home Finance Subsidy comes at NO cost. It’s completely FREE. Anyone requesting payment to “fast-track” or “process” your application is not legitimate. Don’t pay," the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements announced earlier this year.

The department has asked for applicants to report scammers by calling on 010 085 2199.

The department has also warned that action will be taken against approved National Housing Finance Corporation subsidy origination partners found to be charging applicants.

"Any NHFC approved subsidy origination partner who is found to be charging subsidy applicants will be suspended for a minimum period of 12 months and may be prohibited from the implementation of the programme," the department wrote on its website.

What is First Home Finance?

Buying your first home can be an expensive experience - conveyancing fees, paying deposits, and other associated expenses.

This is where First Home Finance can help. It is a subsidy designed to help qualifying South Africans who want to buy or build their first home.

The programme is aimed at people earning between R3,501 and R22,000 per month, a group that can often find it difficult to qualify for traditional home finance.

The subsidy can be used in several ways. Qualifying applicants can use it to purchase an already-built home, build a home, or purchase a stand and build a home on it.

It can also assist with certain home-buying costs, including conveyancing fees, a deposit and NHBRC enrolment fees.

Who can apply for First Home Finance?

To qualify, applicants must meet a number of requirements.

Applicants must:

  • Be South African citizens with a valid identity document, or permanent residents with a valid permit.
  • Be over the age of 18.
  • Have never previously benefited from a government housing programme.
  • Have never owned a home.
  • Fall within the required monthly income bracket of R3,501 to R22,000.

To read more about it how much subsidy you can qualify for, or how to apply, click here.

Listen to Jacaranda FM: 

Follow us on social media:

Show's Stories

© 2026 Kagiso Media Ltd. All rights reserved.