Calculators
Borrowing power calculator
Get an estimate of how much you could borrow, using the same approach lenders take: income after tax, living costs, existing debts, and repayments tested at a higher rate.
This calculator gives an estimate only, based on the figures you enter and the assumptions described on this page. It isn’t financial, credit or tax advice and doesn’t take your circumstances into account. Talk to us before making a decision.
How the estimate works
- Income is converted to after-tax income using 2026–27 resident tax rates and the 2% Medicare levy. 80% of rental income is counted, taxed at your marginal rate.
- Living expenses are the higher of what you enter and a simple benchmark of $2,200 a month for a single, $3,200 for a couple, plus $600 for each dependant. Real lenders use their own benchmarks.
- Credit cards are counted at 3.8% of the limit each month, whether or not you use them.
- Repayments are tested at your interest rate plus 3%, the serviceability buffer lenders generally apply.
It doesn’t account for HECS-HELP repayments, self-employed income adjustments, lender-specific policies or your deposit. If you’re self-employed, your Judge accountant can get your financials lender-ready. See how much deposit you need, or talk to Judge Lending for a lender-by-lender assessment.
Frequently asked questions
How do banks work out how much I can borrow?
Lenders look at your income after tax, your living expenses (or a benchmark if it’s higher), your existing debts and credit card limits, and the number of dependants. They test whether you could afford the repayments at an interest rate about 3% higher than the actual rate.
Why is my borrowing power lower than I expected?
Common reasons are credit card limits (counted even if unused), buy now pay later accounts, car loans, HECS-HELP debt, dependants, and the assessment buffer. Reducing card limits and clearing small debts before applying can make a noticeable difference.
Is this what a lender will actually approve?
No, it’s an estimate. Every lender has its own policies, especially for self-employed income, rental income and overtime. Judge Lending can compare how different lenders would assess you.
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