Does being pre-approved for a home loan mean approved?

Author
MyProperty
South Africa's #1 independent property portal

Being pre-approved doesn't mean that you are approved. It simply means that you have a likely idea of what you might qualify for once you apply for a home loan. The benefits of taking the extra step 1. You won't waste time looking for homes in the wrong price range Mortgage pre-qualification generally provides you with an upper limit on the amount you can potentially qualify for. This could potentially widen your neighbourhood search - which means more properties to choose from. 2. You're more likely to get an offer accepted More and more sellers are looking for qualified buyers instead of taking their chances with interested parties that haven’t gone through the pre-qualification process. Being pre-qualified shows sellers that you are a serious buyer and that your offer to purchase is a serious offer as well - and in a competitive market this could be the difference between getting your dream home or having to start your search over again. 3. It will be faster to close on a home Once you find the perfect property, chances are good you'll want to move in quickly. And since it can take a long time to get approved for a mortgage and go through the closing process, you could find your timeline is slowed down if you have not started the process. A true pre-qualification entails a fair amount of paperwork and work, which forms the basis of what the bank will require during the actual application stage. In most cases originators can take up to 3 days to provide a pre-qualification certificate, MyProperty makes this available to you within 24 hours of completing the below link and submitting all your documents - get started here Dedicated MyProperty consultants can assist you in the process from start to finish and will do the following for you: • Previewing your credit score and profile • Identifying red flags against your name and offering assistance to fix this • Highlight any errors in your documentation and application • Identify your marriage status and advise on possible outcomes • Explain differences between self-employed vs salaried and what’s required • Discuss possible products that would suit first-time buyers • Provide you with a far more accurate amount you can purchase for, dependent on your inputs • Discuss the hidden costs of buying a property • Advise on the likelihood of approval Ultimately, buying a home can be quite a stressful, overwhelming and frustrating process when attempting to do this on your own. MyProperty’s easy pre-qualifying process empowers you with an estimate that you can afford while also simplifying the bond application process, taking you one step closer to owning your dream home, without the stress.

Property questions?
Get quick answers about buying, selling, renting, and more from our AI powered real estate bot
Home Loans Property News
Building a Home in South Africa? Here's Why NHBRC Registration Matters
Legal
Building a Home in South Africa? Here's Why NHBRC Registration Matters
15 Apr 2025
Whether you're a first-time home builder or a seasoned property developer, one thing is clear: the risks of poor construction are real—and they can be costly. That’s where South Africa’s National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) steps in.
read more
Moving in before transfer: The pros, cons, and legal considerations
Market & Opinion
Moving in before transfer: The pros, cons, and legal considerations
07 Apr 2025
When purchasing a property, you typically can only move in once the transfer is registered at the Deeds Office. However, early occupation—moving in before the registration—may be possible in certain cases.
read more
Should I fix the interest rate on my home loan?
Market & Opinion
Should I fix the interest rate on my home loan?
04 Mar 2025
Homeowners and future home buyers often consider fixing the interest rates on their home loans - and with concerns about inflation and rising living costs, this has become a hot talking point once again.
read more
The property market is showing signs of recovery
Market & Opinion
The property market is showing signs of recovery
28 Feb 2025
South Africa’s property market is showing early signs of recovery, with the latest FNB House Price Index (HPI) revealing an increase to 1.2% year-over-year (y/y) in January 2025—the highest growth rate since June 2023. While still subdued, this trend signals improving buyer confidence, fueled by easing financial pressures and shifting lending conditions.
read more
Real Estate Tools
Get pre-qualified
Make offers with confidence knowing what you can afford. Then shop for the best home loan
Bond Calculator
Calculate the estimated repayments on a home loan and savings with extra payments
Residential
House
Townhouse
Apartment, Penthouse
Retirement Village
Vacant Land
Agricultural
Farm
Small Holding
Vacant Land
Commercial
Office, Retail, Mixed Use
Industrial
Vacant Land
Hospitality