How much can I borrow on a $100k salary?

On $100,000 a year with average expenses, most lenders allow roughly $500,000 to $600,000. The exact amount depends on your debts, dependants and the lender's criteria.

Does HECS/HELP affect borrowing power?

Yes. Lenders factor in your HECS/HELP repayment as a recurring expense once your income hits the repayment threshold.

Can I borrow more with a joint application?

Usually yes. Two incomes increase total borrowing power, though expenses are also assessed together.

What is a serviceability buffer?

A serviceability buffer is an extra percentage (usually 2.5–3%) that lenders add to the interest rate when assessing your application. It checks whether you could still afford repayments if rates rise.

Borrowing Power Calculator

Estimate how much you can borrow for a home loan based on your income, expenses and a serviceability buffer.

Lenders assess whether you can afford repayments using a higher rate (buffer) and limit repayments to a share of income. This calculator gives an approximate maximum loan amount. Your actual borrowing capacity is set by your lender.

Income and Expenses

Income, expenses and buffer for serviceability.

Gross Annual Income ($)

Other Annual Income ($)

Monthly Expenses ($)

Interest Rate (% p.a.)

Assessment Buffer (% p.a.)

Loan Term (years)

Max Repayment % of Income

Consider

Your estimate is capped by the max repayment ratio. A larger deposit could improve how much you can borrow.

Estimated Borrowing Power

Based on income, expenses and assessment rate

Maximum loan amount (estimate)

$297,317

Assessment rate

9.50% p.a.

Max monthly repayment

$2,500

Total annual income$100,000

Disposable monthly$4,333

Capped by max repayment ratio.

Estimate only. Lenders use their own serviceability rules. Your actual borrowing capacity may differ.

How to Use This Calculator

1Enter your annual income before tax (include any regular overtime or bonuses)
2Add partner income if applying jointly
3Enter your monthly living expenses (use bank statements for accuracy)
4Check the interest rate and buffer — most lenders use 2.5–3% above the actual rate
5See your estimated maximum loan amount instantly

What Is Borrowing Power?

Borrowing power is the maximum amount a lender will let you borrow for a home loan. It depends on your income, existing debts, living expenses and the lender's serviceability rules.

Lenders stress-test your application by adding a buffer (usually 2.5–3%) to the current interest rate. This checks whether you could still afford repayments if rates rise. They also cap how much of your income can go toward the loan — typically around 30% of gross income.

Factors That Affect Borrowing Power

Income: Higher income means higher borrowing power. Lenders prefer stable PAYG income over casual or contract work.
Expenses: Lower expenses increase what you can borrow. Cut subscriptions and credit card limits before applying.
Existing debts: Car loans, HECS/HELP and credit cards reduce your capacity. Pay down debts or close unused cards.
Deposit size: A larger deposit means you need to borrow less and may get a better rate.
Loan term: A longer term lowers monthly repayments, which can increase borrowing power (though you pay more interest overall).

How to Increase Your Borrowing Power