NHBRC Building contract

Download NBRC BUILDING AGREEMENT

Before you build
  • Ask to see the home builders current registration certificate.
  • Telephone the NHBRC to confirm whether the builder is still registered.
  • Take time to inspect some of the homes built and completed by the builder.
  • Talk to housing consumers who have made use of the home builder’s services.
  • Make sure that the builder provides you with a contract for the building of your new home.
  • Carefully inspect the terms and conditions of the contract.
  • Keep a copy of the written and signed contract.
  • Keep a record and proof of all payments made to the home builder.
  • Be aware of the enrolment fee applicable.
  • Never pay a builder in advance of work being done – only pay or authorise payment once work has been completed to your satisfaction.
  • Draw a list of all problems and/or defects (snag list) when moving into the new home. The snag list should be handed over to the builder within 90 days of occupation.
Inspection of Homes

The NHBRC inspects all enrolled homes at key stages of construction. The objective of inspections is to protect housing consumers against poor workmanship during construction. In the situation where the inspector identifies a deviation from the NHBRC Home Building Manual, a non-compliance will be issued to the home builder.

The home builder will be given reasonable time frames within which to rectify the non-compliance. If the builder is unable or unwilling to rectify, the NHBRC will stop construction and institute its builder disciplinary process.

Warranty Cover

By enrolling your home with the NHBRC, you are complying with the relevant South African law. Home enrolment allows the NHBRC to conduct quality home inspections at various stages of construction and provides housing consumers with warranty cover for minor defects identified within the first three months of occupation, roof leaks identified within the first year of occupation and cover against major structural defects identified within the first five years of occupation.

In the event that a builder is unable or unwilling to rectify reported defects, the NHBRC can rectify the defects, following the completion by the housing consumer of a complaint and conciliation process.

Maximum amounts payable

The cover is for 5 years on major structural defects.

The maximum amount payable is the lesser of the Enrollment Value of R500 000.

The payable amount includes professional fees + accommodation + transport.

If you follow these requirements and ensure that your house is enrolled, the NHBRC will:

Conduct a minimum of four inspections on your house, to see if the construction is properly done; and

Deal with complaints of non-compliance during construction.

Your house will be covered by a five year warranty scheme against major structural defects, calculated from the date of occupation.

The builder will be obliged to rectify:

Any deviation from the terms, plans and specifications of the agreement or any deficiency related to design, workmanship or material that you notify him of in writing within 3 months of occupation;

Roof leaks you notify him/her of in writing within 1 year of occupation; and

Major structural defects you inform him/her of in writing within 5 years of occupation.

Elements of a Construction Contract

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  1. Name of contractor and contact information.
  2. Name of homeowner and contact information.
  3. Describe property in legal terms.
  4. List attachments to the contract.
  5. The cost.
  6. Failure of homeowner to obtain financing.
  7. Description of the work and the completion date.
  8. Right to stop the project.

 

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Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)

If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.

📌 What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.

NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:

  • Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
  • Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.

✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?

To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
  • Have a valid South African ID.
  • Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
  • Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).

📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS

NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.

If you’re studying:

  • Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
  • Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.

📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application

When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
  2. Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
  3. Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
  4. Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
  5. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
  6. Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

    Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za

  2. Create an Account

    • Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
    • You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
    • Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.

  3. Login and Start the Application

    • After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
    • Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.

  4. Fill in Your Personal Details

    • Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
    • Provide household income information and living arrangements.

  5. Upload Required Documents

    • Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
    • Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.

  6. Submit Your Application

    • Review your application for accuracy.
    • Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.

  7. Track Your Application

    • Log in regularly to check your application status.
    • You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.

🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)

  • Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
  • Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
  • Disbursement: After registration and approval

Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.

💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?

NSFAS funding typically includes:

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Accommodation (if living away from home)
  • Meals and transport
  • Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)

For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).

🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment

Repayments are:

  • Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
  • Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
  • Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.

You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.

🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application

If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:

  1. Log into your MyNSFAS account.
  2. Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
  3. If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
  5. Provide a clear explanation or motivation.

📱 NSFAS Contact Information

📝 Final Tips Before Applying

  • Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
  • Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
  • Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
  • Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.

By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.

 

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