Top 10 Tips on How to Finish Paying Your Bond Early

If you’re looking for tips on how to finish paying your bond early, you are at the right place! Paying off a home loan faster is one of the smartest financial moves you can make. Not only does it save you thousands of rands in interest, but it also gives you peace of mind and full ownership of your property much sooner. Whether you live in Johannesburg, Pretoria, or anywhere across Gauteng, here are ten Tips on how to Finish Paying Your Bond Early.

1. Make Extra Payments Regularly

One of the most effective ways to reduce your bond term is to pay a bit more than the required monthly instalment. Even an extra R500 per month can cut years off your bond. RE/MAX South Africa, “You can potentially eliminate years’ worth of debt by paying even a little extra into your monthly bond—from day one.”

2. Switch to Bi-weekly or Weekly Payments

Instead of making monthly payments, consider paying every two weeks. This method results in 26 half-payments a year (equivalent to 13 full payments), allowing you to pay off the loan quicker. This strategy is widely used in developed countries and is increasingly adopted in South Africa.

3. Make One Extra Payment Per Year

Making a 13th payment annually—perhaps from a year-end bonus or tax refund—can significantly reduce the loan period. As highlighted by Nationwide Building Society, even one additional payment each year can save you thousands in interest over time.

4. Round Up Your Monthly Payments

Round up your instalments to the nearest R100 or R500. If your repayment is R3,780, round it up to R4,000. These small differences add up quickly and reduce your capital balance.

5. Apply Windfalls to Your Bond

Bonuses, tax rebates, or inheritance should be directed toward your home loan. Ramsey Solutions recommends applying any unexpected income directly to the loan’s principal to accelerate payoff.

6. Refinance to a Shorter Term

If you can afford higher monthly payments, refinance your bond to a shorter term (e.g., from 20 years to 10 years). Although your monthly payments may increase, you’ll save significantly on interest. Always compare fees and check for penalties before refinancing.

7. Avoid New Debt and Increase Income

Avoid taking on unnecessary credit (such as new cars or personal loans) and channel additional income from side hustles directly into your bond. Financial discipline is essential when aiming to settle your loan early.

8. Use Offset or Revolving Credit Accounts

In South Africa, many banks offer access bonds or revolving credit facilities that offset interest. This means any additional money you deposit reduces the interest charged, effectively helping you pay your loan off faster.

9. Specify that Extra Payments Go to Capital

When making extra payments, instruct your bank in writing to allocate the funds toward the principal loan amount. Some banks may otherwise treat extra payments as advance instalments, not reducing your capital balance.

10. Keep Your Bond Open After Final Payment

According to users on Reddit’s r/PersonalFinanceZA, keeping your bond account open even after settling can improve your credit score and offer quick access to funds in the future without having to reapply.

Tips on How to Finish Paying Your Bond Early

Learning how to pay off your bond early is a powerful way to gain financial freedom. With proper planning, a bit of extra discipline, and consistent effort, homeowners across Gauteng can significantly reduce their bond term and enjoy debt-free living sooner than expected.

For more home finance tips, visit the South African Reserve Bank or consult your financial advisor for personalised guidance.

ALSO READ: SARS MobiApp vs eFiling: Which Is Better for Your Tax Filing and Why?