How JHC is making housing affordable in South Africa?

How JHC is making housing affordable in South Africa?

South Africa faces many socio-economic challenges such as high unemployment and low-income rates, which makes it difficult to find affordable apartments in Johannesburg on a budget.

According to The Housing Act 107 1997, adequate shelter is a basic human need. It is vital to the socio-economic well-being of the nation. But, the current declining state of the economy and economic development is making it even more difficult for low-income earners to afford to rent a flat. But fortunately, with JHC’s help, there are options to look at,in affordable urban areas.

An example would be the affordable opportunities for housing in Newtown.

The government is also doing its part in trying to turn things around for South Africans in this earning group. They have implemented many innovative subsidy programmes such as the Government Subsidy Housing, Community Residential Units, Upgrading of Informal Settlements Programme, Emergency Housing Programme, Finance Linked to Individual Subsidy Programme and Social Housing. These projects aim to offer affordable housing, particularly for first-time buyers or renters.

Non-profit organisations are also working with the government, coming up with modern-day solutions to build projects with the primary purpose of offering sustainable, safe and affordable flats for people in the low-income brackets.

What is affordable housing?

What is affordable housing? You’ll likely find different answers to this question because there isn’t any set standard on a national scale. As a non-profit Johannesburg property company, we’re committed to offering South Africans who live or want to live in Johannesburg, affordable accommodation.

We’ve been recognised internationally for our innovative approach to tackling some of the housing challenges that many cities face, including offering safe and affordable houses in Johannesburg.

If you read on, you will learn more about the requirements for affordable housing in South Africa and what important documents you will need for applications.

Requirements for affordable housing in South Africa

In South Africa, there are various housing subsidy programmes available for medium to low-income earners. The government typically has two types of housing subsidies; the financed subsidy which allows you to be fully financed for your subsidy and the non-financed subsidy, where you will pay a contribution set according to your income. The requirements differ according to the housing agency offering the subsidy.

For example, to qualify for any of the government housing subsidies, you need to be on the municipal housing demand database for at least 10 years, be 40 years of age, or older, have special needs as a South African citizen or at least have a permanent resident’s permit. You will also need to have not previously owned property or received a subsidy from the government before and have a monthly household income of less than R3,500 before deductions.

On the other hand, the Johannesburg Housing Company delivers affordable accommodation to families that typically earn between R1 500 to R7 500 per month. Our units are wholly based in the bustling inner-city parts of Johannesburg with a portfolio of bachelor apartments, single room and double-room flats as well as communal facilities. Our basic requirements include earning from the aforementioned income bracket, having dependants, not having previously owned property before, being a South African citizen or having a permanent resident’s permit.

Documents you’ll need to apply for housing in South Africa

The general documentation needed for the application of affordable housing includes a certified copy of your identification document and your spouse’s. Alternatively, you will need to provide a certified copy of your permanent residency permit, certified copies of birth certificates of people dependent on you financially. You will also need a certified copy of your marriage certificate or divorce certificate, and a copy of a recent payslip, or an affidavit, if you’re unemployed.

At Johannesburg Housing Company (JHC), we’ve ensured that our potential tenants have access to a subsidy to help reduce their rent. In order to qualify for this subsidy, you have to complete a subsidy form, which is available on our website. Once the form is completed, ensure that you meet the standard requirements as mentioned above and finally submit for processing. After which, you will receive communication on the progress of your application.

Affordable solutions for low-income housing

Affordable housing solutions are there to help people in the low-income brackets to have safe homes they can afford. For people who are searching for houses or flats in Johannesburg, contact us today on any of our communications channels for more information about our social housing solutions in Johannesburg.