How much can you borrow?
A quick estimate of your borrowing power for an Australian investment property. Plug in your income, deposit and expenses — APRA serviceability rules do the rest.
Before tax, all earners combined
Cash you have for a deposit
Rent, food, transport, subs — be honest
No sign-up · Instant result
This quick estimate assumes no existing debts (HECS, credit cards, car loans). For a figure that factors in your complete financial picture, take the full assessment.
Borrowing power, answering the questions people actually search
General information only — not personal financial advice.
How is borrowing power calculated in Australia?
Lenders take your gross income, subtract living expenses and the cost of any debts (HECS, credit cards, car loans) to arrive at a monthly surplus. They then apply APRA's serviceability buffer — a margin on top of the loan rate — and run that surplus through a standard 30-year repayment formula to estimate how much you could borrow. This calculator uses that same methodology, with a 3% buffer, to give you a general indication.
What is the APRA serviceability buffer?
APRA requires lenders to assess you at a rate higher than you will actually pay, to check you could still afford repayments if interest rates rose. The buffer is currently 3 percentage points above the loan rate. On a 6.5% loan rate, your application is assessed at about 9.5%.
How much can I borrow on my salary?
Income alone doesn't set the limit — your living costs, existing debts and deposit all change the result. Two households on the same salary can get very different outcomes. Enter your full picture into the calculator above for an indicative range.
Do I need a 20% deposit to invest?
No. You can invest with less than 20%, but once your loan-to-value ratio goes above 80% most lenders require Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI), which adds thousands to your costs. A 20% deposit avoids LMI and is usually the more cost-efficient path.
Is this calculator financial advice?
No. It gives a general estimate based on simplified assumptions. It is not personal financial advice. Your actual borrowing capacity depends on your complete financial situation, credit history and individual lender policies. Speak with a licensed mortgage broker or financial adviser before you commit.