Combined income if married or cohabiting. Before tax (gross).
Optional — used to calculate your new bond repayment
Your expected bond rate. Current prime = 10.25%
Enter your gross monthly household income and click Calculate to see your estimated FLISP subsidy.
Apply for FLISP through a bond originator
ooba can process your FLISP application alongside your home loan — making the whole process simpler. Their service is free.
Apply for your bond + FLISP with ooba — free →FLISP / First Home Finance Explained
The Finance Linked Individual Subsidy Programme — now officially called First Home Finance — is a South African government initiative administered by the National Housing Finance Corporation (NHFC). It provides a once-off, non-repayable cash subsidy to qualifying first-time buyers to help bridge the gap between what they can afford and what they need to purchase a home.
2026 Subsidy Amounts
The subsidy is calculated on a sliding scale: the lower your income, the larger the subsidy. For the 2026 financial year, subsidies range from approximately R38,878 (for household incomes close to R22,000/month) to R169,264 (for the lowest qualifying income bracket near R3,501/month). These figures are periodically updated by the NHFC — always confirm the current amount at the official NHFC website or through your bond originator.
| Gross Monthly Income | Approximate Subsidy (2026) |
|---|---|
| R3,501 – R5,000 | ~R169,264 |
| R5,001 – R7,000 | ~R135,000 |
| R7,001 – R10,000 | ~R100,000 |
| R10,001 – R14,000 | ~R70,000 |
| R14,001 – R18,000 | ~R55,000 |
| R18,001 – R22,000 | ~R38,878 |
Figures are approximate. Confirm exact amounts at fhf.nhfc.co.za.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for First Home Finance in 2026 you must: be a South African citizen or permanent resident; earn a gross household income between R3,501 and R22,000 per month (combined if married or cohabiting); be purchasing your first property (you must never have previously owned fixed residential property or received a government housing subsidy); have an approved home loan from a registered financial institution; and intend to occupy the property as your primary residence.
How to Use the Subsidy
The FLISP subsidy can be applied in two ways: as a deposit at the time of purchase (reducing the bond you need to take), or as a lump-sum payment toward your bond balance after registration. Both options reduce your monthly repayment and total interest paid. Your bond originator or conveyancing attorney will guide you through the mechanics of how it is applied in your specific transaction.
How to Apply
You can apply for FLISP through the NHFC directly at fhf.nhfc.co.za, or through a bond originator like ooba or BetterBond, who can process your FLISP application alongside your home loan application — simplifying the process considerably. You will need your approved home loan letter, identity documents, three months' payslips, and your signed sale agreement.
Frequently Asked Questions
FLISP (Finance Linked Individual Subsidy Programme), now rebranded as First Home Finance, is a South African government housing subsidy for first-time buyers earning R3,501–R22,000/month. The once-off subsidy (R38,878–R169,264 in 2026) can be used as a deposit or to reduce your bond balance. You do not repay it.
You must be a South African citizen or permanent resident; earn R3,501–R22,000/month gross household income; be a first-time home owner; have an approved home loan; and intend to occupy the property as your primary residence.
The subsidy reduces the bond amount you need. For example, a R169,264 subsidy on a R600,000 bond at 10.25% over 20 years saves roughly R1,650 per month in repayments. The higher the subsidy, the bigger the monthly saving.
Apply via the NHFC at fhf.nhfc.co.za, or through a bond originator like ooba or BetterBond who can process your FLISP application as part of your home loan application. You will need your approved home loan letter, ID, payslips, and sale agreement.
Yes. FLISP applies to both new developments and existing (resale) residential properties, provided you meet the income and first-time buyer requirements and have an approved home loan from a registered lender.