Book a Call
← All calculators
Updated for 2026-27

Borrowing Power Calculator

Find out how much you could borrow, worked out the way Australian lenders do it. Then see exactly which changes would let you borrow more.

2026-27 tax and HELP rates3% lender buffer built inDebt-to-income check
You could borrow around
$0
 
Your repayments
$0
per month at 6.49%
Lender tests you at
0%
Your rate plus 3% buffer
Room if rates rise
$0
per month, at your full borrowing
Property price up to
$0
Loan plus deposit, before costs

What interest rates do to your borrowing power

Your estimated limit at different rates, with the same 3% buffer applied

How a lender sees your budget

Your monthly income, as the bank assesses it

Ways to borrow more

What each change could add to your limit

Your debt-to-income ratio

All your debts, including this loan, divided by your gross income

0246810+
Under 6Comfortable for most lenders.
6 to 8APRA limits how many of these loans banks can write, so fewer lenders say yes.
Over 8Very few lenders go this high. Structure matters.

Get your real number

Every lender calculates borrowing power differently, and the gap between them can be over $100,000. We run your numbers across our panel and show you who'll lend the most. It costs you nothing.

Book a free chat

Borrowing power questions

How do lenders work out how much I can borrow?
Lenders take your income after tax, subtract your living expenses and existing debt repayments, and check the amount left over could cover the new loan's repayments. They don't use your actual interest rate for this. They add a buffer of at least 3% to make sure you could still pay if rates rose. This calculator follows the same steps.
What is the living expense benchmark?
Lenders compare the living expenses you declare with a benchmark called the Household Expenditure Measure (HEM), which is based on your income and household size. They use whichever is higher. That's why spending less than the benchmark doesn't increase your borrowing power. Our benchmark is an estimate, as the official HEM tables aren't public.
Why do credit cards reduce my borrowing power so much?
Lenders assume you could max out your card at any time, so they count around 3.8% of your total limit as a monthly repayment, even if you pay it off in full. A $10,000 limit counts as about $380 a month, which can cut tens of thousands of dollars from your borrowing power. Closing cards you don't need before you apply is one of the easiest wins.
What is a debt-to-income ratio and why does it matter?
Your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) is your total debt divided by your gross yearly income. Since 1 February 2026, APRA limits banks to writing no more than 20% of new home loans at a DTI of 6 or more. You can still borrow above 6, but fewer lenders will have room, so it pays to know where you sit before you apply.
Does my HECS or HELP debt count?
Yes. Lenders treat your compulsory HELP repayment as a commitment, because it comes out of your pay. This calculator uses the 2026-27 marginal repayment rates. Some lenders will look past a HELP debt that's close to being paid off, so talk to us if yours is nearly done.
Why does a lender give me less than this calculator?
Each lender has its own policy for things like overtime, self-employed income, rental income, expense benchmarks and minimum assessment rates. Some will lend more than this estimate and some less. A broker can match you with the lenders whose policy suits your situation.

General information only. Not personal financial advice. This is an estimate, not a loan approval or an offer of credit. It uses 2026-27 resident tax rates (including the Medicare levy and low income tax offset), 2026-27 HELP repayment rates, an estimated living expense benchmark, credit card commitments of 3.8% of limits, and repayments tested at your rate plus the buffer shown. Rental and variable income are counted at the percentage set under Lender assumptions. Investment tax benefits are not included. Your actual borrowing power will depend on the lender, your full financial position and credit history. Swish Finance Brokers Pty Ltd. Jessica Ellis and Matthew Brogan are authorised credit representatives of National Lending Group Pty Ltd (ACL 412778).

You could borrow around
$0

Want personalised numbers?

Calculators give you estimates. Matt and Jess give you answers. Book a free call to talk through your actual situation.

Book a free call

General information only. Not personal financial advice. Calculator results are estimates only.