How long after debt review can I buy a house? (Answered)

Ever feel like your financial history is following you around like a bad ex?

Getting out of debt review is a fresh start, but applying for a home loan? That’s where things get interesting.

In this post, we’ll unpack exactly how soon you can buy a house after debt review, what lenders are looking for, and how to rebuild your credit the smart way.

Let’s start with the question on everyone’s mind…

 

How long after debt review can I buy a house?

You can apply for a home loan immediately after credit bureaus update your credit profile when you get a clearance certificate to exit debt review. There is no legal waiting period after debt review, but banks only consider an application once the debt review flag is removed from the applicant’s credit profile. Lenders also look for proof of stable income and responsible credit use after review.

🕒 How long does it take?

1. Usually 7 to 21 working days to get the clearance certificate: The debt counsellor must verify that all debts (excluding your home loan, if it was restructured outside the process) are fully settled. After confirmation from creditors and your payment distribution agency, they issue the Form 19 Clearance Certificate.
2. Another 7 to 21 working days for credit bureaus to update the credit profile: The debt counsellor sends the clearance certificate to all major credit bureaus (TransUnion, Experian, Compuscan, XDS), who remove the “under debt review” flag.

 

So the technical answer is immediately after debt review, but in reality it may take a couple of weeks, and up to around 2 months, which isn’t that long. 

 

 

What lenders actually look for…

• Clearance certificate: This document proves you’ve paid all your debts (except your bond, if you had one). It comes from your debt counsellor and is required to apply for credit again.
• Credit bureau updates: Your counsellor sends the certificate to all credit bureaus. They must then remove the “under debt review” note.
• Credit rebuild period: Even with a clean record, your score may still be low. Many banks want to see at least 6 to 12 months of good credit use before they approve a home loan.
• Deposit and affordability: Banks will also check that your income is stable and your expenses are reasonable.

 

⭐ Related content: Does debt review affect credit scores? (Yes—here’s how)

 

Let’s find out if you’re still under debt review…

 

How to check your debt review status

To check your debt review status, contact your debt counsellor and request confirmation of whether your process is complete. You can also get a free credit report from major credit bureaus like TransUnion, Experian, or with an app like My Score Hero. If your report still shows you are under debt review after getting a clearance certificate, you’ll need to follow up to have it removed.

 

How long does debt review stay on your name?

Debt review stays on your name until a clearance certificate is issued and submitted to the credit bureaus. Once the certificate is received, the credit bureaus must remove the debt review flag immediately. The whole debt review process usually takes between 36-60 months to complete, but it can be faster. It depends on the person’s debt and the terms. After the process, the debt review status is permanently removed.

Check out this post: Answered: How long does debt review last?

 

What will my credit score be after debt review?

After debt review, your credit score will vary based on where it started and how well you stuck to the process. If you paid all your instalments in full and on time, you might see a slight improvement once the process is complete.

However, most South Africans will only see significant improvements several months after debt review.

PS—We wrote a whole article on this: What will my credit score be after debt review? (+ FAQs)

 

 

How to build a credit score after debt review

Some people start debt review with a bad credit score and need to rebuild it after they finish the debt review process. Luckily, it’s much easier to manage debt and build a good credit score after debt review.

Here’s how to do it.

Steps to rebuild your credit:

1. Pay on time, every time. Even one missed payment can hurt your score.
2. Only apply for low-risk credit, like a secured credit card or retail store account. Use it for small, planned purchases only.
3. Keep your balances low. Aim to use less than 30% of your available credit.
4. Don’t apply too many times. Multiple applications can signal financial distress or credit dependence and hurt your credit score.
5. Check your credit report regularly. Catch and dispute any errors quickly — especially if the debt review flag hasn’t been removed.

 

Here is a full article dedicated to building a strong credit score.

 

Common mistakes to avoid when applying for a home loan after debt review

Even if you’ve done the hard work to recover financially, these common mistakes can trip you up when applying for a bond— here’s what not to do on your post-debt review home loan journey.

Mistakes to avoid:

• Applying too soon: If the debt review flag is still on your profile or your score hasn’t improved, your application will likely be declined.
• Not checking your credit record: Many assume their record is clear after debt review, but credit bureaus sometimes lag in updates.
• Failing to budget for upfront costs: Bond registration fees, transfer costs, and a deposit (typically 10%–20%) can catch buyers off guard.

 

Avoid these, and you’ll give yourself the best shot at approval.

⭐ Related content: What credit score is needed for a loan in South Africa?

 

Final thoughts

There you have it — a full breakdown of how to go from debt review to homeownership. Make sure your clearance certificate is issued and your credit profile is clean. Then start rebuilding smart.

Re-establish your credit, track your score, and don’t rush the process.

If you’re struggling with debt, we could help reduce how much it costs every month and free up some of your income for other critical expenses. Try our online assessment at My Debt Hero to see if you qualify.