Jul 17th, 2025

How Borrowing Power Calculators Work in Australia

Borrowing Power Calculators in Australia

Borrowing power calculators are indispensable for prospective home buyers in Australia. By inputting your income, expenses and existing debts, these online tools estimate the maximum loan you could secure. Major banks like NAB, ANZ, Westpac and CommBank offer their own versions, helping you set realistic borrowing expectations.

Key Components of Borrowing Power Calculators

Income: Gross or net salary, bonuses, rental income and sometimes dividends. Irregular earnings may be discounted or excluded.
Expenses: Monthly living costs and debt repayments. Many calculators benchmark these against the Household Expenditure Measure (HEM) to avoid underestimating outgoings.
Existing Liabilities: Credit card limits, car loans and personal loans reduce your borrowing capacity.
Loan Preferences: Loan term, interest rate (fixed or variable) and repayment type (principal & interest vs. interest-only).
Dependents: More dependents increase assumed expenses, lowering estimated borrowing power.

How the Calculation Works

Lenders determine your borrowing capacity by subtracting your costs from your income, then stress-testing the result. Typically, they add about 3% to the current interest rate to simulate potential rate rises.

Assumptions & Limitations

Estimates Only: These calculators guide, but don’t guarantee, loan approval.
No Fees Included: Stamp duty, Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) and other charges are generally excluded.
Different Models: Each bank uses its own assumptions, so results can vary.

Enhancing Your Borrowing Power

Boost your income and savings
Pay down existing debts
Maintain a strong credit score
Increase your deposit

Recommended Tools

Borrowing power calculators are a helpful starting point for your home loan journey. For tailored advice and a thorough assessment based on your full financial profile, consult a mortgage broker or financial adviser. For a comprehensive analysis and personalized borrowing potential consultation, explore our platform.

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