When it applies
Every new home must be enrolled with the National Home Builders Registration Council at least 15 days before construction starts. The home builder enrols it, not the homeowner, and the builder must be registered with the NHBRC. Banks will not normally lend against a new home that is not enrolled.
Enrolment gives warranty cover from occupation: 3 months for minor defects, 1 year for roof leaks and 5 years for major structural defects.
What it costs
The NHBRC's published schedule (undated on its site) charges a percentage of the home's value, on a sliding scale:
| Home value | Fee |
|---|---|
| up to R500 000 | 1.3% |
| R500 001 to R1 000 000 | previous band plus 1% of the difference |
| R1 000 001 to R2 000 000 | plus 0.75% |
| R2 000 001 to R5 000 000 | plus 0.5% |
| over R5 million | maximum R34 000 including VAT |
The schedule on the NHBRC's site carries no date, so use its calculator for the current figure.
Building it yourself
An owner-builder can apply to the NHBRC for exemption before construction starts. The NHBRC sets the requirements, so ask it what it needs.
Enrolment applies to new homes. For an addition, ask the NHBRC whether yours needs it.
Questions people ask
Who enrols a new home with the NHBRC?
The registered home builder, at least 15 days before construction starts.
Sources
- NHBRC: why enrol
- NHBRC enrolment fee schedule
- sans10400.co.za: owner builder requirements (NHBRC letter)
Checked October 2026. Councils change their tariffs every July, so confirm fees before you pay.