Government Housing Qualification Calculator
Do you qualify for a free RDP/BNG house, FLISP subsidy, social housing, or CRU? Check your eligibility across all South African government housing programmes in seconds.
Government Housing in South Africa: What You Qualify For How to use • Programmes • Example
How to Use This Calculator
Enter your household income, age, number of dependents, and current housing situation. The Qualification Check tab shows which government housing programmes you are eligible for, the benefit amount, and why. The Application Guide tab gives province-specific contact details, required documents, waiting times, and practical tips.
South African Government Housing Programmes Explained
South Africa has multiple housing subsidy programmes targeting different income groups:
- BNG (Breaking New Ground): Fully subsidised homes for households earning R0–R3,500/month. The government builds and transfers a house to qualifying beneficiaries. Also known informally as "RDP houses."
- FLISP (First Home Finance): Once-off cash subsidy of R27,960–R169,264 for households earning R3,501–R22,000/month. Used to reduce the bond amount needed from a bank.
- Social Housing (SHRA): Below-market rental in Social Housing Institutions for incomes R1,500–R15,000/month.
- CRU (Community Residential Units): Subsidised rental in municipal buildings for low-income households.
- ePHP (Enhanced People's Housing Process): Government provides materials, support, and a site for you to build your own home. For income ≤ R3,500 in informal/backyard housing.
Worked Example
Lindiwe is 28, an SA citizen, renting a backyard room in Soweto with two children. Her household income is R4,200/month.
She is not eligible for BNG (income over R3,500) but qualifies for FLISP with a subsidy of approximately R130,000. She also qualifies for social housing rental through SHRA.
With FLISP, she can apply to a bank for a home loan — the R130,000 subsidy reduces her bond. On an approved bond of R300,000 after FLISP, her monthly payment would be approximately R2,960/month at prime over 20 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for a free government house (RDP/BNG) in South Africa?
The Breaking New Ground (BNG) fully subsidised housing programme — commonly called RDP housing — is available to South African households with a combined monthly income of R3,500 or less. Applicants must be SA citizens or permanent residents, at least 18 years old, and never previously received a government housing subsidy or owned property.
What is the difference between RDP, BNG, and FLISP?
RDP (Reconstruction and Development Programme) is the old name for government housing projects — now officially called BNG (Breaking New Ground). Both refer to fully subsidised houses for households earning ≤ R3,500/month. FLISP (First Home Finance, formerly the Finance Linked Individual Subsidy Programme) is a cash subsidy of R27,960–R169,264 for households earning R3,501–R22,000/month — it is not a free house but reduces your bond.
How do I register on the housing waiting list in South Africa?
Visit your local municipal housing office with your SA ID, proof of address, proof of income, and your dependents' documents. Ask to be added to the National Housing Database (NHD). You can also check registration status and apply online at www.dhs.gov.za. Contact your ward councillor to confirm your details are correctly captured.
Can I apply for FLISP if I earn more than R15,000 per month?
Yes. FLISP is available to households with a combined gross monthly income of R3,501–R22,000. If your household earns between R15,001 and R22,000/month, you qualify for a smaller subsidy (approximately R27,960–R53,000). The subsidy is applied to your bond — you still need to qualify for a home loan from a participating bank.
What is the Social Housing Regulatory Authority (SHRA) and how does social housing work?
The Social Housing Regulatory Authority (SHRA) accredits and monitors Social Housing Institutions (SHIs) that provide below-market rental housing to households earning R1,500–R15,000/month. Tenants pay reduced rent (typically R1,500–R4,500/month) and gain secure, quality accommodation in well-located areas. Unlike BNG, social housing is rental — not ownership. Apply directly to a registered SHI in your area. See www.shra.org.za.