How Much Can I Borrow?
Estimate your borrowing capacity based on your income and expenses
Find out your realistic borrowing limit before approaching a lender. This calculator applies a bank-style serviceability test — including the mandatory 3% assessment rate buffer — to estimate how much you may qualify for based on your income, debts, and living expenses.
Free — no account required
By the numbers
3%
Buffer applied (APRA)
HEM
Expense benchmark
DTI
Ratio calculated
$0
Cost to use
What you can calculate
- Income-based serviceability assessment using lender methodology
- Mandatory 3% APRA assessment rate buffer applied automatically
- Accounts for existing debts, credit cards, and HEM expense benchmarks
- Estimates your maximum purchase price including deposit
- Debt-to-income ratio and monthly surplus calculation
- Free — no signup or login needed
Frequently asked questions
What factors affect how much I can borrow?
Lenders assess your gross income, existing debts (home loans, car loans, credit cards, HECS), living expenses, dependants, and the stress-tested interest rate. A higher income, lower debts, and fewer dependants generally increase your capacity.
What is the serviceability buffer?
APRA requires lenders to assess your ability to repay at your actual rate plus 3%. So if your loan rate is 6%, you're assessed at 9%. This buffer protects borrowers from rate rises and is applied to all new loans.
How accurate is this calculator?
This is an estimate based on common lender methodology. Actual borrowing capacity varies by lender — some shade rental income, apply stricter HEM floors, or have internal credit score adjustments. Use this as a guide, not a pre-approval.
How Much Can I Borrow?
Estimate your borrowing capacity based on your income and expenses
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