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Charlene K

1 reviews | Active since Oct 2017

24 May 2026, 11:00

25 Years Later and We Still Owe More Than the Original Bond Amount on a 20 year bond?

I am beyond frustrated and disappointed with Standard Bank regarding my parents’ home loan account.

My parents purchased their home in May 2001 and took out a 20-year bond with Standard Bank. The original bond amount was approximately R220 000, and they also paid a R20 000 deposit upfront.

The bond was supposed to be fully paid by May 2021. Yes, there were occasional late payments over the years due to cash flow challenges as self-employed small business owners, especially during Covid-19, but the account was always paid. Had it not been, the bank would have repossessed the property long ago.

What is shocking is that despite paying for 25 YEARS on a 20-year bond, the home loan balance is STILL sitting at R224 657.92 as of 24 May 2026. The account even reflects “0 months remaining,” yet we are still expected to continue paying indefinitely.

We first raised this issue years ago and have been sent from pillar to post. Since February 2021, we have continuously followed up with Standard Bank, only to be told someone will “get back to us,” but no proper explanation, breakdown, or resolution has ever been provided.

How does a 20-year bond become a never-ending debt despite decades of payments? How can there be 0 months remaining but still a balance exceeding the original loan amount?

We are demanding: • A full detailed statement and breakdown of all interest and charges app**** over the past 25 years • An explanation as to how this balance was calculated • Immediate intervention and resolution on this matter

This situation has caused my parents years of unnecessary stress and financial strain. We expected transparency and accountability from Standard Bank, but instead we have experienced delays, poor communication, and no meaningful assistance.

I WILL NEVER RECOMMEND STANDARD BANK FOR HOME LOANS.

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Replies (2)
Standard Bank
Standard Bank's reply24 May 2026, 11:06
Official
Dear Charlene

Thank you for bringing this issue to our attention. 

As Standard Bank, we are committed to providing you with the best possible service and will ensure that this issue is taken care of. 

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience or unwarranted frustration this has given you. 

Kindest regards
Standard Bank Hello Peter Team
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CK
Charlene K's update02 Jun 2026, 12:18
Reviewer Update
Standard Bank Home Loan Complaint – Still No Resolution
Following my previous review, I was contacted almost immediately by Standard Bank, and for a brief moment I believed we were finally going to receive answers after years of trying to resolve this matter.

A representative called us and subsequently sent a follow-up email explaining that my parents' bond was linked to a Liberty Life policy that was intended to settle or significantly reduce the capital balance upon maturity. While we appreciate the response, the matter remains far from resolved.
I responded to their email with several follow-up questions and requests for supporting documentation, including a full reconciliation of the account, explanations of charges, interest calculations, and the original loan and policy documentation.

That email was sent over a week ago.
To date, there has been no response.
Unfortunately, this is the exact pattern we have experienced for years. Someone contacts us, promises assistance, provides partial information, and then disappears. We are left waiting, following up, and starting the process all over again.

What makes this even more concerning is that while we wait for answers, the outstanding bond balance continues to increase. The balance that prompted my original complaint was approximately R224,657.92. It has now increased again to approximately R226,500.

My parents took out a 20-year bond in 2001. We are now in 2026, 25 years later, and still do not have a clear explanation of how the account has reached this position or what realistic path exists to finally settle it.
We are not asking for special treatment. We are asking for transparency, accountability, and a complete explanation supported by documentation.

Standard Bank, please do not let this become another case where communication starts after a public complaint and then simply fades away. We are still waiting for answers, and this matter remains unresolved.