Three categories of housing subsidies now available in the Western Cape

The Western Cape Department of Human Settlements has made available three different categories of housing subsidies in its quest to assist the vulnerable in society, particularly, for low-income applicants who would like to buy a residential property for the first time.  

THREE CATEGORIES OF HOUSING SUBSIDIES 

According to the department, the three categories are the Non-credit linked, credit linked and Finance Linked Individual Subsidy (FLISP). 

“Each category is unique, caters for a specific group and one of the biggest benefits is that the subsidy isn’t a loan and you don’t have to pay it back,” said a spokesperson for minister Tertius Simmers, Marcellino Martin. 

NON-CREDIT LINKED 

In the case of the Non-credit linked subsidy, this is available to persons earning R0-R3 500 per month to buy an existing house or plot that must be linked to the construction of a house. In this instance, the person qualifies for a subsidy of R168 852 and the difference in the selling price, if any, is financed from another source.

The normal qualifying criteria applies with the additional Western Cape requirement that persons applying must be on the Housing Demand Database (HDD) for a period of 10years in the Metro and five years for non-Metro areas. 

“It is critical to note that priority will be given to those who are older than 40 years, persons with disabilities, those on the HDD for 15 years and longer, along with backyard dwellers. Property owners whom have also acquired an erf without State assistance may also apply if they conform to the other criteria,” said Martin. 

CREDIT LINKED HOUSING SUBSIDY 

When it comes to the credit-linked subsidy, there must be a loan from a recognised financial institution. For example, this means if a person is planning to buy a house for R200 000, they will qualify for a subsidy of R 168 852 and the balance must be financed via a bank.

FINANCE LINKED INDIVIDUAL SUBSIDY

Finally, the Finance Linked Individual Subsidy (FLISP), is another form of the Credit Linked Subsidy, but the income category is R3 501-R22 000.00. This programme similarly to the credit linked does not have the HDD requirement as the non-credit linked has.

The requirement of the programme is that an applicant must obtain a Mortgage loan in order to qualify to purchase an existing house or a plot linked to a building contract. Further to this, the programme makes provision for those earning between R3 501 and R7 000 to be assisted with a free serviced site as their once-off assistance. This means they cannot apply for any subsidy after being assisted in this manner.

FLISP is proving to be quite popular, as during the 2019/2020 financial year, the department received 2 340 applications, with 1 843 being approved. Anyone with queries can contact our helpdesk on 021-483-6488 /3112 /0611 /8984 /0623 or e-mail the office at humanmin@westerncape.gov.za

“These subsidies offer an array of opportunities to those who might require State assistance. As the Western Cape Government, we’d like to encourage you to use these opportunities, as it can assist to dramatically improve your life,” added Martin.