Thousands of first-time homebuyers in Gauteng rely on the First Home Finance subsidy, previously known as FLISP, to afford bonded homes, but incomplete documentation remains one of the main reasons applications are delayed or rejected. The Department of Human Settlements requires applicants to submit a strict set of supporting documents alongside the application form. The issue matters now because demand for housing assistance continues to rise amid high interest rates and mounting pressure on household incomes.
Understanding exactly what paperwork is required can determine whether an application is processed within days or stalled for months.
ALSO READ: What to Do If Your Area Has No Electricity
FLISP Designed to Support First-Time Homebuyers
The First Home Finance subsidy is a government housing programme aimed at assisting low- to middle-income earners who qualify for a home loan but struggle to cover upfront costs such as deposits and transfer fees.
According to the Department of Human Settlements, the subsidy is available to qualifying South Africans purchasing their first residential property and is paid directly into the home loan or conveyancer’s trust account once the property is registered.
Mandatory Documents Required for an FLISP Application
Applicants must submit a completed FLISP application form together with supporting documents that verify identity, income, marital status, and the property being purchased.
The required documents include:
- Certified copies of identity documents (IDs)
- Certified copies of dependents’ birth certificates, where applicable
- Certified copy of a marriage certificate or final divorce order, if relevant
- Original recent payslip, or an affidavit confirming unemployment or proof of social grant income
- Certified copy of the deed of sale or signed offer to purchase
- Certified copy of the approved bond or bond quotation
- Original or certified copy of the transfer cost statement from the transferring attorney
Officials say applications submitted without all required documentation are not processed until the outstanding information is provided.
Income and Eligibility Criteria Explained
In addition to documentation, applicants must meet strict eligibility requirements to qualify for the subsidy.
According to housing authorities, applicants must:
- Earn a combined monthly household income between R3,501 and R22,000
- Be a South African citizen or a permanent resident
- Be 18 years or older
- Be married, cohabiting, or single with financial dependents
- Have never owned a fixed residential property before
- Have never received a government housing subsidy
Applicants who fall outside these criteria are automatically excluded, regardless of documentation completeness.
How and Where Applications Are Submitted
FLISP applications are not submitted directly to the Department of Human Settlements by individuals in most cases. Instead, applications are typically lodged through:
- Banks providing the home loan
- Bond originators assisting with loan approvals
These intermediaries submit the documentation on behalf of the applicant and track progress with the relevant provincial housing department.
According to industry estimates, complete applications are generally processed within approximately seven working days, although timelines can vary depending on verification checks and application volumes.
How FLISP Payments Are Made
Once approved, the subsidy is not paid to the applicant in cash.
According to the department, the approved subsidy amount is paid either:
- Directly into the applicant’s home loan account, reducing the bond amount, or
- Into the conveyancer’s trust account after the property is registered in the applicant’s name
This structure is intended to ensure the subsidy is used solely for housing-related costs.
Why Documentation Delays Are Common in Gauteng
Housing officials say Gauteng experiences a high volume of FLISP applications due to the province’s population size and demand for entry-level housing.
Common causes of delays include:
- Expired or uncertified documents
- Missing bond approval letters
- Incorrect income declarations
- Incomplete marital or dependent information
Authorities have repeatedly warned that incorrect affidavits or outdated documents can result in application rejection.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
For Gauteng residents attempting to enter the property market, understanding FLISP documentation requirements can significantly affect affordability and timelines. Delays in subsidy approval can postpone property registration, increase legal costs, or result in buyers losing properties if deadlines are missed.
Given Gauteng’s competitive housing market, complete and accurate submissions are critical for first-time buyers relying on government assistance to secure financing.
FLISP and Gauteng’s Housing Pressure
Gauteng continues to face housing demand driven by urbanisation, migration, and rising property prices. Subsidy programmes such as FLISP play a key role in supporting first-time buyers who fall outside the fully subsidised housing bracket but cannot afford market-rate deposits.
Housing analysts note that efficient administration of subsidy applications remains central to easing pressure in the lower-to-middle-income housing segment.
FAQ: FLISP Applications in Gauteng
What is FLISP now called?
It is now known as the First Home Finance subsidy.
Can I apply for FLISP without a bond approval?
No. A bond approval or quotation is required before the application can be processed.
How long does FLISP approval take?
Complete applications are typically processed within about seven working days.
Can unemployed applicants apply?
Yes, but they must submit an affidavit confirming unemployment or proof of social grant income.
Is the subsidy paid directly to the applicant?
No. It is paid into the home loan account or the attorney’s trust account.
What Happens Next
Applicants are advised to ensure all documents are certified, current, and accurate before submission. Banks and bond originators will continue to act as the primary channel for submitting applications and liaising with housing authorities.
The Department of Human Settlements is expected to continue processing applications under the existing framework, with no changes to eligibility thresholds announced at this stage.
