Saving up: getting deposit-ready in 18 months
A practical savings plan, where to park the money, and the credit habits that lift your score while you save.
Set the target backwards
Pick the price band you want, take 10% as the deposit and add 9% for costs. On a R1.2M home that's about R228,000. Divide by your timeline — over 18 months that's roughly R12,700 a month, which tells you immediately whether the price band or the timeline needs to change.
Where to keep it
Money you'll need within two years does not belong in equities.
- A 32-day notice account earns meaningfully more than a cheque account and still keeps the money reachable.
- A tax-free savings account shelters the growth, within the annual and lifetime contribution limits.
- Fixed deposits pay the most but lock the money for the full term — match the term to your buying date.
Fix your credit while you save
Banks look at twelve months of behaviour. Settle small store accounts, never miss a debit order, keep credit card balances under 30% of the limit, and avoid new credit applications in the six months before you apply. Pull your free annual credit report and dispute anything that isn't yours.
Two minutes. See if it actually stuck.