Why get pre-qualified before you view a home

Last updated 26 October 2026

Pre-qualification and pre-approval are often used interchangeably, but they are different stages. Pre-qualification is a basic estimate of what you may be able to borrow, based on the figures you give. Pre-approval is a more in-depth check: your identity, credit record and income are verified from your documents, and affordability is calculated. If you meet the criteria you get a certificate saying you are likely to qualify up to a set amount. Either way, the point is that someone checks your numbers before you start viewing.

Why it matters before you view

• You view homes you can actually buy. There is no point falling for a home at R1.1 million if you only qualify for R750,000.
• Problems show up early. The check includes your credit record, so you find out about issues while you can still fix them.
• You know the real cost. The price is only part of it. Transfer duty is R0 up to R1,210,000 and then rises in steps. See the full cost of buying, with worked examples.

What you will usually need

Lenders differ, but the typical list is:

• Proof of income, such as recent payslips or bank statements
• Your ID or passport
• A breakdown of your monthly expenses and debts
• Your credit report (an originator can often get this for you)
• Tax returns and proof of employment, if the lender asks

What it does not do

• It does not guarantee a bond. A pre-approval is not a final approval. After you sign an offer to purchase, the bank assesses the property and your formal application. It may approve the loan in principle, with conditions (for example extra payslips or a property assessment), before final approval and the signed loan agreement.
• It does not last forever. Ask your lender how long yours stays valid, and time it for when you start serious viewing.

Watch: do you need pre-approval before house hunting?

Video: “Do You Need Pre Approval Before House Hunting?” from my series From My Home to Yours.

Your next steps

1. Gather the documents above.
2. Ask your bank or a bond originator to check what you can afford. A bond originator does not charge you; the banks pay their commission.
3. Work out the full cost with the MM Connect calculator.
4. Tell me your budget and the suburbs you like, and I will send matching homes.

General information only. It is not a formal valuation, or financial, legal or tax advice. I do not recommend a specific bond originator or conveyancer; I facilitate introductions.