Applying for an RDP House in South Africa

The RDP/BNG housing program offers subsidized homes to low-income South Africans to address housing shortages. This guide details eligibility, application steps, required documents, and tips for navigating the process, including related programs like FLISP, as of October 2025.

RDP Housing Application

Table of Contents

Overview of RDP/BNG Housing

The RDP/BNG housing program, launched in 1994, provides free or subsidized homes to low-income South Africans (income < R3,500.01). Applications are managed locally, with long waiting lists due to backlogs. FLISP supports those earning R3,501-R22,000.

  • Purpose: Replace informal settlements with formal homes.
  • Challenges: Backlogs, corruption; waits can span decades.
  • Variations: BNG for better quality; FLISP for gap market.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet specific criteria, with provincial variations.

  • Citizenship: South African citizen or permanent resident.
  • Age: Over 18 or 21, or household head.
  • Income: Household < R3,500.01 (RDP/BNG) or R3,501-R22,000 (FLISP).
  • Subsidy History: No prior government subsidy or home ownership.
  • Dependents: Married, cohabiting, or single with dependents; exceptions for veterans or disabled.

Check with local DHS for priorities (e.g., elderly, informal settlement residents).

Steps to Apply

Applications are free and mostly in-person at municipal offices.

  1. Confirm Eligibility: Use DHS website or local offices.
  2. Gather Documents: ID, income proof, dependentsā€™ documents.
  3. Submit Application: At municipal or DHS offices (e.g., Western Cape opens April 1).
  4. Receive Reference: Join waiting list; track via hssonline.gov.za or 0800 146 873.
  5. Await Verification: Income and subsidy checks; allocation follows.

Beware of scams; applications are free.

Required Documents

Submit accurate documents to avoid delays.

  • ID: Green-bar coded ID or smart ID for applicant/spouse.
  • Birth Certificates: For all dependents.
  • Proof of Income: Salary slips, bank statements, or affidavit if unemployed.
  • Marital Status: Marriage certificate, divorce decree, or cohabitation proof.
  • Disability: Proof if applicable.
  • FLISP: Home loan pre-approval or property agreements.

Tips and Considerations

Navigate the process effectively with these tips.

  • Update Details: Keep contact info current to receive notifications.
  • Avoid Scams: Report agents charging fees to DHS.
  • Patience: Backlogs mean waits of years; escalate to Public Protector if stalled.
  • FLISP: Explore via lenders like ooba for gap-market earners.
  • Relocation: Reapply in new province; waiting list resets.