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Free Tool · No Credit Check · Instant Results

Borrowing Power
Calculator 2026

How much can you borrow? Enter your income, expenses, and liabilities. Includes HECS debt, credit card limits, dependants, and dual-income assessment — the way lenders actually calculate it.

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10 Yrs
Experience
50+
Lenders
77 ×
5-Star Reviews
Free
Service Always
💰 Income
$
Before tax, before HECS deductions
$
Leave $0 for single applicant
$
Most lenders count 80% of documented bonus
$
Lenders count 75–80% of gross rental income
$
FTB, child support received, government payments
💳 Liabilities & Debts
$
Total limits, not balances — lenders use the limit
$/mo
$
Current outstanding HECS balance
$/mo
For investment properties or second homes
$/mo
🏠 Loan Details
%
Assessment rate = your rate + 3% buffer (APRA)
$
Lenders compare to HEM — higher of the two is used
🏠
Estimated Borrowing Capacity
Enter your details to calculate
📊
Assessment Rate
Rate + 3% APRA buffer
💵
Max Monthly Repayment
At assessment rate
💰
Net Surplus Income
After expenses & liabilities
💰 Assessed Income
Total Assessed Income
💳 Assessed Liabilities (monthly)
Total Monthly Liabilities
🏦 Lender Range — Why Results Vary

The same borrower can receive offers ranging by $200,000–$400,000 depending on which lender they approach. Different lenders use different Household Expenditure Measures (HEM), HECS assessment methods, and bonus income policies. John's value is identifying which lender's model maximises your capacity.

⚡ Ways to Increase Your Borrowing Power

Want an Accurate Assessment?

The calculator gives a good estimate — but the real number depends on which lender you use and how your income is structured. John identifies the lender whose model maximises your capacity. Free, no obligation.

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Borrowing capacity estimates are based on a simplified serviceability model and are indicative only. Actual borrowing capacity depends on the specific lender, their current credit policy, assessment rates, and your complete financial position. HECS repayment rates based on 2025–26 ATO schedule. HEM benchmarks are indicative. This calculator does not constitute financial advice or a credit assessment. Not a credit offer or pre-approval.

How Lenders Calculate Borrowing Power

Lenders assess your borrowing capacity using a serviceability model — essentially, how much can you comfortably repay each month after all other commitments. They apply a 3% interest rate buffer above your actual rate (APRA requirement), use a Household Expenditure Measure (HEM) as a minimum living expense floor, and count all liabilities including credit card limits (not just balances).

The 3% Buffer Rule
APRA requires lenders to assess serviceability at your actual rate plus 3%. At a 6.2% rate, lenders assess your capacity to repay at 9.2%. This significantly reduces your borrowing capacity vs the actual repayment.
HECS Debt Impact
HECS repayments reduce your net income before it reaches your account. A $50,000 HECS balance at the $67,000 threshold incurs ~$3,350/year in compulsory repayments — reducing borrowing capacity by $50,000–$80,000 depending on lender.
Credit Card Limits
Lenders assess your full credit card limit as a potential liability — not your current balance. A $20,000 limit reduces borrowing capacity by approximately $40,000–$50,000. Reducing limits before applying is one of the fastest wins.
Lender Variation
The same borrower with identical income and liabilities can receive offers differing by $200,000–$400,000 across 50 lenders. Different HEM floors, HECS treatment, bonus income policies, and rental income shading drive this variation.

John Pierre Saliba — Borrowing Capacity Specialist

10 years. 77 five-star reviews. 50+ lenders. John identifies which lender's serviceability model maximises your borrowing capacity for your specific income composition — often $100,000–$300,000 above what you'd get going direct to a bank.

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