Rent vs Buy in South Africa: The Honest Answer (2026)
Not the estate-agent answer. How long you must stay for buying to beat renting in South Africa, the real 2026 costs, rent-to-buy and rentvesting, and when renting is smarter.
Finance
Welcome to the Finance section of the South Africa Facts blog. Here we break down the money decisions that matter to South Africans, from income tax, VAT and capital gains tax to medical aid costs, retirement planning and tax-free savings. We also cover the real cost of running a business, from company registration to cash flow and liquidations. Whether you are weighing up a car purchase or trying to make sense of SARS rules, this is where the numbers get explained in plain language.
Medical Aid Tax Credits in South Africa: How Much You Get, and the Extra One Most People Miss
SARS gives money back for being on a medical aid, and there are two credits, not one. How much you get in 2026/27, and the extra one most people never claim.
Banking for seniors in South Africa: how the over-55s can bank for free
Every big South African bank lets the over-55s bank for free, but only if you keep a minimum balance. Here is each bank's deal for 2026, and the catch.
Senior Citizen Discounts in South Africa: Every Special by Shop and Day
Which shops give pensioners a discount, and on which day? The honest 2026 guide to senior citizen discounts, from Wednesday loyalty points to the rates rebate and SASSA grant.
Is R5 million enough to retire in South Africa?
What R5 million really pays you a month after tax, how long it lasts, living annuity versus a guaranteed income for life, and whether it stretches to retiring at 55 or 60.
Tax-Free Savings in South Africa: How It Works, and the Accounts Worth a Look in 2026
A plain-language guide to how tax-free savings accounts work in 2026, plus the best five cash TFSAs and the best five equity TFSAs to consider.