Many property investors miss out on NSFAS accreditation because they fail to act within the application window, resulting in unoccupied properties and lost income. If you don't start the NSFAS accreditation process now, you won't be ready for the 2025 academic year, potentially missing out on thousands in rental income from NSFAS-funded students.
NSFAS accreditation applications are open now, and in this article, we provide actionable steps to acquire accreditation, enabling you to secure tenants in 2025.
NSFAS accreditation application window
We interviewed an NSFAS accreditation expert, Shenaaz Randles, who is a vetted investRand Service Provider with over 15 years' experience in Real Estate. She also has more than 5 years’ experience getting NSFAS accreditation for clients and advises investRand clients to send their applications now.
How to apply for NSFAS accreditation
Option 1: Do it yourself
To apply for accreditation, you will need to:
Step 2: Upload the required documents, including images of your property.
Step 3: Submit the above and click ‘apply for accreditation’.
If you are based near the University of Johannesburg (UJ), Shenaaz advises not to apply both to NSFAS and UJ because once you apply to NSFAS, the system registers your accommodation to UJ.
For Properties Already Transferred
If your property has already been transferred into your name, start your NSFAS application immediately. The application involves several steps and document submissions, so getting a head start is crucial.
Here are the required documents for properties that have already transferred:
Proof of ID or passport
Proof of address
Proxy document (for joint ownership)
Electrical Compliance Certificate
Proof of Ownership
Zoning Certificate
Building plans
Fire Compliance Certificate
SARS Tax Certificate
Occupancy certificate
For Properties in the Process of Transferring
You do not have to wait for the transfer process to be complete. If your property is still transferring, you can also start your NSFAS application.
Here are the required documents for properties that are transferring:
Proof of transfer
Occupancy certificate
Proof of ID or passport
Proof of address
Proxy document (for joint ownership)
Electrical Compliance Certificate
Zoning Certificate
Building plans
Fire Compliance Certificate
Option 2: Use the Assistance of an NSFAS Accreditation Specialist
Follow these steps to use the assistance of an NSFAS Accreditation Specialist:
Step 2: Go to the ‘Service Providers’ tab and search for Shenaaz Randles.
Step 3: Click ‘View Profile’ and contact her either through email, WhatsApp, or phone call.
Securing NSFAS-funded Tenants for 2025
The window period to advertise your accommodation to NSFAS-funded students for 2025 is from September until early 2025. If you fail to secure tenants by March 2025, you have very slim chances of achieving a full occupancy rate.
To increase your chances of filling your student accommodation, you need to ensure your property appeals to students, and then advertise to platforms where students are active. These include platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
One of our investors has a maximum occupancy rate because she advertises her property and uses an investRand Service Provider to successfully run and maintain her property. On top of this strategy, she asks students to recruit more tenants and gives them a referral fee when NSFAS releases accommodation funds.
Getting NSFAS-ready for 2025
Our mission is to empower you by ensuring that your property meets all the necessary requirements, you maintain a maximum occupancy rate, and you have insights from experienced Service Providers on our platform.
If you need help getting NSFAS-ready for 2025, investRand Service Providers on our marketplace are vetted, rated, and ready to assist with renovations, compliance with accreditation guidelines, and assistance in achieving a maximum occupancy rate.
If you are ready to begin your property investing journey in student accommodation, book a free call with our Property Investment Consultants and they will assist you in getting started, applying for financial assistance, and ensuring your property is running smoothly by connecting you with experience and vetted service providers on our platform.
Note: The content in this article is based on research and intended for informational purposes only. Always consult with professionals and conduct your own due diligence before making any investment decisions.
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