Get an indicative estimate of how much you could borrow, using the same serviceability logic Australian lenders apply — income and commitments assessed against your repayments at an interest rate that includes the 3% APRA buffer. Then talk to a broker who knows which lenders assess it most favourably.
Lenders don't test you at your actual rate — they add a mandatory 3% serviceability buffer and check you could still afford repayments at the higher rate above. Your borrowing power is calculated on that buffered rate.
It is not simply a multiple of your salary. Australian lenders are required to test whether you could still afford the loan if rates rose — this calculator mirrors that logic in plain English.
Lenders start with your net income, then subtract living expenses, existing loan repayments and a portion of your credit card limits. What is left — your monthly surplus — is what can service a new loan.
Regulators require lenders to assess you at your interest rate plus a 3% serviceability buffer. So a loan advertised near 6% is tested closer to 9%. This buffer stayed at 3% into 2026 and is the single biggest constraint on capacity.
Your surplus is worked back into the largest loan whose repayments — at that buffered rate over your chosen term — your surplus can cover. Policies differ by lender, which is where a broker earns their keep.
Small changes to these levers can move your capacity by tens of thousands. A broker can model each one against real lender policy.
Lenders count a percentage of your total limit as a monthly commitment — whether or not you owe anything. Reducing or closing unused cards can lift capacity quickly.
Personal loans, car finance and BNPL all reduce your surplus. Consolidating or clearing a small debt before applying can free up meaningful borrowing room.
Base salary, overtime, bonuses, rental and self-employed income are each treated differently — and lenders vary widely. The right lender for your income mix matters.
A longer term or interest-only period changes the assessed repayment. Structure has to suit your goals, not just maximise the headline number — we help you weigh both.
Pooja is a Melbourne-based finance broker and former NAB and ANZ banker. She knows how each lender reads income, debts and expenses — and which ones will assess your situation most favourably. The number above is a starting point; the real work is matching you to the right lender and structure.
Rated by business owners and property buyers across Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide for clear advice and lenders that actually say yes.
Read our Google reviewsIt gives an indicative estimate, not a precise figure. It uses a simplified version of the serviceability method — net income minus living costs and commitments, serviced at your rate plus the 3% APRA buffer over your chosen term. Real lender assessments use detailed income verification, their own expense benchmarks (HEM) and individual credit policy, so your actual capacity can be higher or lower. Treat the number as a conversation starter, then get a proper assessment.
APRA requires lenders to check that you could still afford repayments if interest rates rose. They add a buffer — currently 3 percentage points — to your actual rate and assess your repayments at that higher "assessment rate". A loan advertised around 6% is therefore stress-tested closer to 9%. This buffer remained at 3% into 2026 and is usually the single biggest reason your borrowing power is lower than a simple income multiple would suggest.
Lenders treat your total credit card limit as a potential debt, whether or not you carry a balance. A common approach is to count around 3.8% of the limit as a notional monthly repayment. So a $20,000 combined limit can knock a meaningful amount off your capacity. Reducing limits or closing cards you do not use is one of the fastest ways to lift your borrowing power before applying.
Yes — switch the purpose toggle to "Investor" and add your expected weekly rent. Lenders count a portion of rental income (they "shade" it, often to around 80%, to allow for vacancy and costs) and assess investment loans under their own policies. Negative gearing, existing property debt and interest-only structures all affect the outcome, so investor capacity in particular benefits from a broker running the numbers across multiple lenders.
You can, but be cautious. Self-employed income is assessed very differently — lenders look at business financials, add-backs, consistency and structure, and low-doc options exist for those without two years of returns. The estimate here assumes straightforward income, so if you run a business it is best treated as a rough guide only. This is exactly where a broker who works with self-employed clients adds the most value.
No. This tool runs entirely in your browser, collects no personal data to produce the estimate and does not perform any credit check or enquiry. Only when you choose to submit an enquiry to us do we receive your details — and even a formal borrowing assessment with a broker does not put a hard enquiry on your file until you actually apply for a specific loan.
Often, yes — not by bending the rules, but by matching you to the lender whose policy suits your income type, debts and goals. Lenders vary widely in how they assess overtime, bonuses, rental income, HECS debt and expenses. A broker compares your situation across a panel of 50+ lenders to find the strongest genuine outcome, and structures the loan so it still fits your budget. Book a free consultation to see your real numbers.
Tell us a little about what you are planning and Pooja will map your genuine borrowing power across the lender panel — no cost, no obligation, no credit check to start.
No cost, no obligation, no cookie-cutter advice — just a straight conversation about how much you can borrow and which lender fits. Book a strategy session with Pooja.
Important — please read. This borrowing power calculator provides a general, indicative estimate only. It is not a loan offer, a quote, a pre-approval, financial advice, or a representation that any credit is available or will be approved. It does not take into account your objectives, full financial situation or needs. The estimate is based on a simplified serviceability model (income less living expenses and commitments, assessed at an interest rate including the APRA serviceability buffer) and does not replicate any specific lender's credit policy, income verification or expense benchmarks. Your actual borrowing capacity may be materially higher or lower. Interest rates, buffers and lending policies change and are not guaranteed. Before acting, obtain advice tailored to your circumstances and confirm details with a licensed credit provider or broker. Probiz Finance Pty Ltd (ABN 52 661 057 647), Credit Representative Number 542838, is authorised under Australian Credit Licence No. 384704. Your full financial situation and requirements need to be considered prior to any offer and acceptance of a loan product.
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