FLISP is a government program that subsidises first-time home buyers. Here’s how you can apply for FLISP and get financial assistance with your home purchase.
Article summary
- You no longer require home loan approval before applying for FLISP, and can now utilise other sources of finance.
- You will then need to assemble the documents required for FLISP application, which include copies of your ID documents and the Deed of Sale.
- You can submit these documents along with a FLISP application form to a O-YES Home Loans consultant, who will apply for FLISP on your behalf.
What is FLISP? It’s a subsidy provided by the South African government to first-time home buyers who fall with a certain income range. It makes home ownership a reality for low-income home buyers.
You used to have to apply for a home loan and have the application approved before you could apply for FLISP, but as of April 2022, this is no longer necessary. You can now use other sources of finance to apply, including:
- The beneficiary’s pension/provident fund loan.
- A co-operative or community-based savings scheme, i.e. stokvel.
- The Government Employees Housing Scheme.
- Any other Employer-Assisted Housing Scheme.
- An unsecured loan.
- Certified copy of the bond approval / bond quotation.
- An Instalment Sale Agreement or Rent-to-own Agreement.
If you meet the criteria to qualify for FLISP, you can apply via the process explained below.
FLISP application: What you need
Aside from your FLISP application form, you’ll need:
- Certified copies of identity documents (IDs).
- Certified copies of dependents’ birth certificates.
- Certified copy of marriage certificate/ Final order of divorce.
- Original recent payslip/affidavit confirming unemployment/ proof of social grant.
- Certified copy of the deed of sale / offer to purchase.
- Certified copy of the bond approval / bond quotation.
- Original/ certified copy of the statement of transfer cost from transferring attorney.
Where can I apply for FLISP?
You can apply with O-YES Home Loans. One of our consultants will handle all the admin on your behalf.
- We can help you obtain home loan approval if you choose to go that route before applying for FLISP.
- Our consultant first requires proof of your successful home loan application (O-YES Home Loans can apply for a home loan on your behalf as well, which makes obtaining the home loan approval easier).
- Our consultant will submit your FLISP application form along with supporting documentation.
- The application is assessed by the NHFC (National Housing Finance Corporation), who will then let our consultant know the outcome of the application.
- Our consultant will then communicate the results of the application to you.
How long does the application process take?
From submission of the application form, the process will take about 7 days. FLISP are required to notify you of the result by 21 days from the application.
Can I get prequalified for FLISP?
Yes. Just as O-YES Home Loans can prequalify you for a home loan, so can we determine in advance whether or not you will qualify for FLISP.
Our consultant will determine whether you fit the profile for a FLISP subsidy, complete a FLISP prequalification request form and submit it. They will then notify you of the result.
How long does prequalification take?
The FLISP prequalification process will take 3 days.
The criteria for FLISP
Before applying for FLISP or a prequalification, determine whether you meet the following criteria, which are necessary for FLISP approval:
- You must have an income within the R3501 to R22 000 range.
- You must be a South African citizen with permanent residency in South Africa.
- You must not have received a government housing subsidy before.
- You must be married or cohabiting OR single with financial dependents.
- You must be over 18 years old.
- You must not have owned a fixed residential property before.
Improve your chances of getting home loan approval
As mentioned, you need a home loan approved before you can apply for FLISP. We can help you obtain home loan approval by submitting your application to multiple banks (some are more likely to approve a home loan than others).
Once we’ve secured home loan approval for you, we will handle the FLISP application process as well. Plus we help you secure lower interest rates on the home loan, which is a subsidy in itself.
We also offer a range of tools that can make the home buying process easier. Start with our Bond Calculator, then use our Bond Indicator to determine what you can afford. Finally, when you’re ready, you can apply for a home loan.