RDP HOUSE APPLICATION
To apply for an RDP (government subsidised) house (now known as a Breaking New Ground or BNG house) in South Africa, you must apply through your local municipality or Provincial Department of Human Settlements. The government does not accept applications through Facebook, WhatsApp or private agents, and you should never pay anyone to help you apply.
Who qualifies?
Generally, you must:
- Be a South African citizen or permanent resident.
- Be 18 years or older and legally able to sign a contract.
- Be a first-time homeowner.
- Never have received a government housing subsidy before.
- Be married, living with a partner, or single with financial dependants (some other qualifying categories also exist, such as certain military veterans and older persons).
- Have a household income of R3,500 or less per month for the fully subsidised housing programme.
Documents you’ll need
Take the following with you when applying:
- South African ID (and spouse’s ID if applicable).
- Birth certificates of your children (if applicable).
- Proof of income (if employed).
- Any other documents requested by your municipality.
How to apply
- Visit your nearest municipal Human Settlements office or Provincial Department of Human Settlements.
- Complete the housing subsidy application form.
- Submit your supporting documents.
- Your details will be captured on the National Housing Needs Register (waiting list).
- Keep your contact details updated with the municipality so they can contact you if you become eligible.
Check your application status
If you’ve already applied, you can check the status of your housing subsidy on:
Beware of scams
The Department of Human Settlements has warned that:
- Applications are free.
- Government does not appoint private agents to secure RDP houses.
- You should never pay anyone who promises to get you a house faster