Online calculators give a starting point, but Australian lenders apply detailed assessment criteria that calculators often simplify.
What affects borrowing power
- Gross income and employment stability
- Living expenses (benchmarks may apply)
- Existing debts and credit limits
- Deposit size and property type
- Interest rate buffers used for assessment
The 6x income rule of thumb
You may hear rough guides like borrowing 5–6 times gross income. Real outcomes vary significantly based on expenses, dependents, and lender policy.
Investment loans
Rental income may help servicing but is usually shaded conservatively. Existing investment debt reduces capacity.
Get a clearer picture
Use our borrowing power calculator for a rough guide, then speak with a broker for an assessment aligned to current lender policy.
