A realistic read on what lenders might let you borrow - including the assessment buffer they'll apply. No sign-up needed, assumptions stated, honesty included.
Want this estimate in your inbox? I'll email you these numbers - plus the honest read on what would move them up or down in a real assessment.
This calculator provides estimates only, based on the figures you enter, approximate income tax at recent resident rates, a 3% assessment buffer, and a 30-year principal-and-interest term. It is not an offer of credit, a quote, or financial advice, and doesn't account for your full circumstances, lender-specific policies, or minimum expense benchmarks. Lending criteria vary by lender and change over time. Talk to us for an assessment based on your situation.
The logic mirrors how lenders actually think: take your income after tax, subtract your living expenses, existing commitments and a slice for credit card limits, and whatever surplus remains is what can service a loan - assessed not at today's rate, but at your rate plus a buffer of about 3%, so you could still cope if rates rose.
Where it gets interesting: every lender runs this maths with different policies. Bonuses, overtime, rental income and self-employed earnings are all counted differently; expense benchmarks differ; existing debts are weighted differently. The same household can get answers $100,000+ apart from different lenders. That spread isn't a flaw in the system - it's the opportunity, and finding the right end of it is my job.
Three levers dominate. Credit card limits - closing or cutting unused limits is the fastest boost available. Declared expenses - lenders read your statements, so the months before applying are a good time for boring, consistent spending. And how your income is presented - especially for self-employed borrowers, where the right lender and presentation genuinely change the outcome.
A calculator can't see your payslips, your spending patterns, or which lender's policy suits you - so treat this as the ballpark that tells you whether it's worth a proper conversation. The real number comes from a pre-approval, and having one before you fall in love with a property turns "hopeful" into "ready".
I'll assess your borrowing power properly across 40+ lenders and set up pre-approval when you're ready. Obligation-free, and no fee charged to you.
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