The South African Reserve Bank kept its policy rate unchanged at 7% in July 2026. Prime remains 10.50%, meaning bonded buyers and homeowners have not received immediate repayment relief.
A rate hold is preferable to another increase, but it should not be confused with a rate cut. The Reserve Bank continues to monitor inflation, fuel prices, the rand and wider global conditions.
For illustration, a R1 million bond at 10.50% over 20 years requires a repayment of approximately R9,984 per month. A R1.5 million bond would require approximately R14,976 per month, while a R2 million bond would require approximately R19,968 per month.
These figures exclude the deposit, transfer and bond-registration costs, municipal rates, levies, insurance, maintenance and any lender-specific interest-rate adjustment.
Official property data nevertheless show continued resale-market activity. Statistics South Africa reported that metropolitan resale prices increased by 7.6% between January 2025 and January 2026. Ekurhuleni recorded growth of 5.5% over the same period.
These figures are broad market indices, not automatic valuations of individual properties. The price achievable for a property in Boksburg or elsewhere in Ekurhuleni depends on its precise location, condition, size, security, improvements and comparable transactions.
What buyers should do
Confirm affordability before making an offer and calculate the complete monthly ownership cost. Buyers should also preserve room for repairs, maintenance and possible future interest-rate movements.
What sellers should do
Use recent comparable transactions and a professional property assessment. Overpricing can increase time on the market and eventually weaken negotiating power.
What landlords should do
Balance rental growth with tenant affordability, property expenses and vacancy risk. Proper screening, clear leases, documented inspections and responsive maintenance remain essential.
What tenants should do
Review the lease carefully, particularly its deposit, utilities, escalation, maintenance and cancellation provisions. Record the property’s condition at occupation and retain proof of payments and important communications.
Besther Consulting Group assists with property marketing, rental administration, buyer and seller support, and property-management enquiries.
Request a property assessment: https://www.besther.co.za/contact
Sources: South African Reserve Bank monetary-policy statement, 23 July 2026: https://www.resbank.co.za/en/home/publications/publication-detail-pages/statements/monetary-policy-statements/2026/july
Statistics South Africa Residential Property Price Index, January 2026: https://www.statssa.gov.za/publications/P0160/P0160January2026.pdf
The repayment examples are educational estimates, not credit quotations or financial advice. Actual lending terms depend on the applicant, lender and property.