How much could I borrow?
Estimate your borrowing power the way lenders do: from your income after tax, your living costs and your existing debts, tested at a higher interest rate.
How this estimate works
- Your take-home pay is worked out from 2026–27 resident tax rates, the 2% Medicare levy and, if ticked, compulsory HECS/HELP repayments.
- Lenders compare your declared spending with a benchmark for your household size and use whichever is higher. This calculator does the same using a simplified benchmark.
- Credit cards count as about 3.8% of the limit each month, whether or not you use them.
- Repayments are tested at your rate plus a 3% buffer, as APRA requires, over the full term on principal and interest.
Every lender's policy is different, so the same household can get quite different answers from different banks. That is exactly where a broker earns their keep. Want to grow the number? Read Understanding Your Borrowing Capacity.
Important: This calculator gives estimates only, for general information. It isn't credit advice and doesn't take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs, or any particular lender's credit policy. Results rely on the figures you enter and the assumptions described on this page, and actual rates, fees, government charges and lending decisions will differ. Talk to Claire before making a decision.
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