If you’ve started researching how to buy a house in Mbombela (Nelspruit), you’ve probably realised there’s a lot more to it than simply finding a place you like. Property viewings, offers, bond approvals, and transfer attorneys — each step happens in a specific order, and timing matters. This guide breaks the process down clearly and shows where Kellaprince Properties fits in, so you know exactly what happens next and who’s handling what along the way.
Step 1: Determine your budget and check your credit
Before you start house hunting, it’s important to know what you can realistically afford. Review your savings, check your credit score, and calculate how much you can put down as a deposit. Working with a Kellaprince property practitioner means you’ll get guidance on budgeting, understand the impact of your credit score, and be connected with trusted bond originators. Knowing your financial status can help you understand your possible borrowing range and better prepare when making an offer.
Step 2: Start your home hunting
With your budget in mind, think about the type of home you want and the lifestyle you’re after. Do you need to be close to schools, shops, or public transport? Would a garden or pool be essential for your family? Once you have a clear picture, sign up for property alerts and partner with a trusted property practitioner like Kellaprince Properties, who can help you find homes that fit your preferences and budget. We can also provide insights on neighbourhoods, schools, amenities, and local market trends, helping you make informed choices.
In terms of affordability, Mpumalanga is attractive for homebuyers. The province’s average house price sits at around R1.63 million, just above the national average of R1.6 million, making it accessible for those entering the market.
First-time buyers, in particular, will find plenty of affordable options in popular suburbs. For example, a one-bedroom sectional title in Sonheuwel can start from R540,000, according to listings on Kellaprince Properties’ website. A two-bedroom flat, for those in search of more space, can start from R650,000 in the vibrant Nelspruit Central area.
BetterBond data also shows that Mpumalanga recorded the smallest home loan gap in the country, at just R75,000. This means new homeowners don’t need to stretch as far to qualify for a mortgage compared to more experienced buyers.
Your Kellaprince practitioner can guide you toward these opportunities, including exclusive listings, and help you understand which homes best fit your needs.
Step 3: Research the property
When you spot a potential home, dig a little deeper. Look at its sale history, the neighbourhood, and confirm with the seller that municipal accounts are up to date. It’s wise to check for zoning rules or restrictions that could affect your plans, so you have a better understanding of the property. It’s also advisable to arrange a professional property inspection to uncover any hidden issues before committing.
While this can be challenging on your first purchase, you can always turn to Kellaprince Properties for help. We guide you through inspections, explain reports, flag potential issues, and help you understand the property’s market value.
Step 4: Make an offer to purchase (OTP)
Once you’ve found the right home, it’s time to make your move. Having a property specialist like Kellaprince Properties in your corner means you’ll get advice on crafting a strong offer. We can also assist with negotiating terms with the seller, and doing our part, where possible, to help look after your interests throughout the process.
Once you’re happy, you can submit a written offer through your property practitioner. The OTP becomes legally binding once both parties have signed, subject to any suspensive conditions such as bond approval. So, be sure to include conditions for bond approval, property inspections, and your preferred occupation date. Watch out for clauses like voetstoots (sold “as-is”) and the 72-hour clause, which can affect your rights.
Step 5: Apply for a home loan
With a signed OTP, submit your bond application. The bank will assess both your finances and the property’s value. Using a bond originator can simplify this process by helping you apply to multiple banks to obtain competitive interest rate offers. You’ll need to provide the following:
- A completed and signed application form
- A copy of your ID document
- Proof of residence
- A copy of the OTP containing both buyer and seller details (not needed for pre-approval)
- Proof of income (salary slip not older than two months, or employer letter; if self-employed, recent financial statements and/or a letter from your accountant confirming income)
- Six months’ worth of bank statements
- A copy of your marriage certificate (if married)
- A deposit (not required as 100% bonds are possible), but it can improve approval chances and interest rates
Kellaprince can come to the rescue here by helping you compile documentation and putting you in touch with a reputable bond originator. This service will guide you through your bond approval, helping you secure the best possible loan terms.
Step 6: Finalise conveyancing and the transfer
After the offer to purchase is signed, the legal process begins. The seller’s conveyancer starts the work of transferring the property into your name, while a separate set of attorneys appointed by your bank handles the registration of your home loan bond. These processes happen at the same time and involve various documents, approvals, and compliance checks before the property can officially be registered in your name.
All documents are lodged at the Deeds Office. The Mbombela branch, located on Bell Street in the CBD, generally processes registrations within 5–7 working days once received. The entire transfer often takes 8–12 weeks overall, although timelines can vary. Make sure you sign everything and settle the necessary fees to keep the process on track.
As part of the process, a few key documents need to be in place before the transfer can go ahead. These include bond cancellation figures for the seller’s existing home loan, a rates clearance certificate from the City of Mbombela Municipality, and levy clearance figures from the body corporate or homeowners’ association (if applicable). SARS must also issue a transfer duty receipt or an exemption certificate before the registration can happen.
As the transfer process can move slowly or hit delays, Kellaprince Properties can coordinate with conveyancers and keep you updated on the paperwork progress for your peace of mind.
Step 7: Move in and settle down
Once the property is officially yours, it’s time to get comfortable. Conduct a final inspection, set up your utilities, and arrange home insurance. In the case of connection of services, you’d need to visit the City of Mbombela enquiries desk or download the service level agreement form and attach the following documents:
- Your identity document or a valid driver's license
- Offer to purchase, agreement of sale, or transfer letter from the attorneys, ensuring that the full property description is outlined, with a street address
Once you’ve completed the service level agreement form, attach proof of payment of a prescribed security deposit, and then submit your completed forms at any customer care desk or by email to serviceconnections@mbombela.gov.za.
When you have the admin out of the way, you can focus on the exciting part — planning your move carefully, unpacking at your own pace, and starting to make your new house feel like a home.
With Kellaprince Properties on your team, moving can be a lot less overwhelming. We can provide advice on moving logistics, recommend trusted service providers, and remain available to answer questions even after you’ve moved in. If this is a buy-to-let investment, we can also assist with tenant placement and property management as part of our landlord services.
You’ve read the steps, we’ll walk them with you
Buying a home is a real milestone, which should bring excitement, not uncertainty. There are many steps along the way, but you don’t have to figure them out on your own. With experienced property professionals, like Kellaprince Properties, guiding you through each stage, the process becomes clearer, calmer, and far more manageable. Browse our properties for sale and get in touch with our team today.
