Every South African dreams of owning a home; for most, that dream will only be a reality because of RDP houses and government-subsidised houses.
Government-subsidised housing helps qualifying low-income households access a home. Housing need, programme eligibility and available projects differ between municipalities; no verified source supports the earlier claim that two-thirds of South Africans have never owned a home.
Subsidised housing is delivered through projects in different urban and rural locations. Access to jobs, transport and services depends on the particular development; a subsidised home is not automatically in a city.
What is RDP Housing?
The Reconstruction and Development Program is one way the South African government addresses the lack of homeownership in South Africa. Additionally, the program aims to provide access to water, electricity, and municipal services in poorer communities. To help in this mission, the government has launched subsidised housing, known as RDP housing.
A qualifying fully subsidised BNG/RDP house does not require a purchase deposit or an allocation fee. Ownership can still bring maintenance, service-charge and other responsibilities; ask the municipality about the charges and relief applicable to the property.
Who Qualifies for an RDP House?
Since the purpose of RDP housing is to help impoverished and struggling South Africans, the prerequisites ensure that only those who meet these criteria are eligible. Also, the Department of Human Settlement will be sure to verify that the information you provide meets the following criteria.
That said, to qualify for an RDP house, you must:
- Be a South African citizen or hold qualifying permanent-residence status
- Have household income within the applicable fully subsidised programme threshold, generally not exceeding R3,500 per month
- Be contractually capable (which means able to understand and enter into a contract)
- Be cohabiting with a partner or married or be single with dependants
- Have never owned or co-owned a home
- Not be receiving any other government subsidy
- Military veterans should check the separate veterans housing criteria and verification process; being single without dependants is not a general requirement for all veterans.
- Older persons and people with disabilities may qualify under exceptions to the dependency requirement; confirm the applicable category with the housing department.
If you meet these criteria, you can follow the steps below to apply for an RDP house.
How to Apply for RDP Houses
If you are sure you meet the qualifications for an RDP house, applying for one can be difficult. However, if you follow the steps below, they will help you begin the process of getting an RDP house.
Step 1: Be Sure You Meet The Criteria
Check the eligibility for the relevant housing programme. If your household income is too high for a fully subsidised house, First Home Finance, formerly FLISP, may assist qualifying first-time buyers with monthly household income of R3,501–R22,000. It has separate requirements and is not an automatic alternative award.
Step 2: Have Your Necessary Documentation
If you do qualify, you will need your ID document, payslip (if you are working) and your spouse or partner’s ID if you are married. You will also need certified copies of your children’s birth certificates. You can attach these documents to your application form.
Step 3: Get Your Application Form
Apply or register housing need through the relevant municipality or provincial human-settlements department using its official process. Ask that office whether it offers an authorised online service or downloadable form. Do not pay an intermediary claiming to secure an allocation; the national housing helpline is 0800 146 873.
Once you have filled in the form, you must drop it off at your municipality or Department of Human Settlement.
The list below should help you find your local Department of Human Settlement.
List of Local Department of Human Settlement Offices
Limpopo Department of Human Settlement
- Head Office Address: 20 Rabe Street, Polokwane; confirm the service counter before visiting
- Phone Number: 015 284 5000; confirm housing enquiries with the provincial department
Free State Department of Human Settlement
- Head Office Address: 7th Floor, OR Tambo House, Corner Markgraaf & St. Andrew Street, Bloemfontein
- Phone Number: 051 403 3379 or 051 403 3392
Mpumalanga Department of Human Settlement
- Head Office: No 7 Government Boulevard, Riverside Park, Ext 2, Mbombela, 1200
- Phone Number: 013 766 6088
- Gert Sibande Regional Office: 11 De klerk Street, Emerlo, 2350
- Gert Sibande Regional Office Phone Number: 017 811 1177
Gauteng Department of Human Settlement
- Head Office Address: 129 Fox Street, Marshalltown, Johannesburg, 2107
- Phone Number: 011 355 8111
North West Department of Human Settlement
- Head Office Address: Garona Building, West Wing, University Drive, Mmabatho
- Phone Number: 018 388 5176 (listed in the national DHS information guide; confirm before visiting)
Eastern Cape Department of Human Settlement
- Head Office Address: 31-33 Phillip, Frame Road, Chiselhurst, East London
- E-mail: info@ecdhs.gov.za
- Phone Number: 086 000 0039
- SMS: 43619
- Chris Hani Region: Komani Office Park, Komani Hospital Complex Block I, Cathcart Road, Queenstown
- Joe Gqabi Region: 29 Queen Terrace, Aliwal North
- OR Tambo Region: Botha Sigcawu Building, Mthatha
- Alfred Nzo Region: No. 80 Main Street, Rolyats Complex, Kokstad, 4700
- Sarah Baartman Region: Corporate Place, 1st Floor, 66 Ring Road, Greenacres, Port Elizabeth
Western Cape Department of Human Settlement
- E-mail: human.settlements@westerncape.gov.za
- Phone Number: 021 483 0611 / 6488 / 3112; helpdesk at Ground Floor, ISM Building, 27 Wale Street, Cape Town
Northern Cape Department of Human Settlement
- Head Office Address: Larry Moleko Louw Building, 9 Cecil Sussman Road, Kimberley
- Phone Number: 053 830 9400
Kwa-Zulu Natal Department of Human Settlement
- Head Office Address: 203 Church Street, Pietermaritzburg
- Phone Number: 033 392 6400
Step 4: Fill Out The Application
Once you have your application form, fill it out and attach your documents, including a certified copy of your ID and your spouse’s ID and payslip (if you have one) to the form.
Keep proof of registration and your reference number. Registration on a housing-needs database does not guarantee approval, a house, or a particular allocation date.
How Much Does an RDP House Cost?
A qualifying fully subsidised allocation does not require the beneficiary to pay a purchase price. A resale is a separate legal transaction and must comply with the title deed, Housing Act restrictions and proper conveyancing procedures.
There is no fixed nationwide resale price for an RDP house. Verify the registered owner, title restrictions and lawful transfer requirements before paying any seller; an affidavit alone does not transfer ownership.
Can I Rent Out My RDP House?
Subsidised homes are intended for qualifying beneficiaries’ housing needs. Letting out or disposing of the home can breach the subsidy or title conditions. Ask the provincial department for the conditions applying to your property before entering a rental arrangement.
The Housing Act restricts disposal during the first eight years, including a requirement to offer the property to the provincial housing department before a qualifying early disposal. After that period, verify any remaining title-deed restrictions and obtain proper legal transfer; eight years is not a substitute for checking the title.
Unlawful disposal or use can have serious consequences under the applicable law and subsidy conditions. Do not rely on an informal lease or sale without checking those requirements.
Can I Build Onto My RDP House?
If you want to make alterations or renovations to your RDP house, you will need approval from your City Council; otherwise, you will receive a fine, and the structure you built may be demolished.
Owning or occupying an RDP house for eight years does not exempt it from municipal building and land-use rules. Obtain the permissions required for additions or alterations, and ask the municipality whether any proposed minor work qualifies for an exemption.
Is it Legal to Buy an RDP House?
This will depend on who is selling the home and how long they’ve lived there.
You cannot buy a new RDP house, nor do you need to put a deposit on a new RDP house.
Housing allocations depend on approved projects, eligibility, verified housing need and the authority’s prioritisation rules. They are not necessarily made strictly in the order names joined a list.
Before buying a previously allocated subsidised home, use a conveyancer to verify the owner and lawful transfer, including the eight-year restriction and any required departmental consent. Occupancy alone does not establish ownership or a right to sell.
Read Also: How to Register With The Labour Department
What Are the Advantages of RDP Houses?
The biggest advantage of an RDP house is the opportunity to own a home without needing to meet the requirements placed on you by the bank.
So, even if you don’t make the amount of money you need to own a home, you can still get one from the government.
Also, owning a home provides a sense of security for you and your children, even your grandchildren.
Your family will no longer need to rent a home or shack or be unsure about whether the landlord will raise the price or kick them out.
A lawful sale may produce proceeds that the owner can use towards another home, but the full sale price is not automatically profit. Outstanding charges, transfer costs, title restrictions and the owner’s future eligibility for state housing assistance must be considered.
Register your housing need and keep your details current. Waiting times depend on local projects, funding, eligibility and prioritisation; registering earlier does not guarantee a faster allocation.
You should also try to contact your local Department of Human Settlements every year to see how much longer it will take to receive your home and ensure your name is still on the list.
