Can I Keep My Car and House Under Debt Review?

One of the biggest fears for South Africans in financial distress is losing valuable assets like a car or home. If you’ve fallen behind on payments, the threat of repossession or legal action can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, there is a legal process designed to protect you: Debt Review.

At Smart Debt Solutions, we’ve helped many clients keep their vehicles and homes while working towards a debt-free future. Here’s how Debt Review can help protect your assets—before it’s too late.

What is Debt Review?

Debt Review is a formal, legal process introduced by the National Credit Act (NCA) to help over-indebted South Africans:

• Reduce their monthly debt instalments

• Avoid asset repossession and court judgments

• Repay debts in a manageable way over time

Once you're under Debt Review, your credit providers are legally blocked from taking legal action, provided no legal action has already started.

Can I Keep My Car?

Yes, you can—but timing is key. If your car has not yet been repossessed, entering Debt Review can stop your vehicle from being taken. Your debt counsellor will include the car loan in your restructured payment plan, making it more affordable while keeping the vehicle in your name.

Important: If your car is already under legal attachment or a repossession order has been issued, Debt Review may not be able to stop it. That’s why it’s essential to act early.

Can I Keep My Home?

Yes, in most cases. Bond repayments can be included in your Debt Review if you’re falling behind. We’ll negotiate with your bank to reduce instalments or extend payment terms to keep the bond affordable. As long as no legal action has begun, your home is protected from repossession.

Again, once legal proceedings are underway (like a summons or a sale in execution), it becomes more difficult—so the sooner you start the process, the better.

What If I’m Already in Arrears?

You can still apply for Debt Review even if you’re behind on payments. The key is that no legal action has been taken yet. If you’ve received Section 129 letters or warning notices, that’s your sign to act immediately.

Why Early Action Matters

Here’s what acting early can help you avoid:

• Repossession of your vehicle

• Losing your home through bank auctions

• Negative credit judgments

• Harassment by debt collectors

Debt Review provides legal protection as long as you apply before your creditors start legal proceedings.

How Smart Debt Solutions Can Help

We’ll assess your debt and income, then:

• Negotiate with your credit providers to include your car or bond

• Stop further legal threats

• Create one affordable monthly repayment to keep your assets safe

We walk with you every step of the way—until your final clearance certificate.

✅ Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

If you’re worried about losing your car or home, act now. The earlier you get help, the more we can do to protect what matters most.

📞 Call us now for a free debt assessment📩 Or apply online and we’ll call you back within 24 hours

At Smart Debt Solutions, we help you keep your assets—and your dignity.