Borrowing Capacity Explained (How Much Can You Borrow in Australia?)
Finance Guide
ARTICLE 3

Borrowing Capacity Explained (How Much Can You Borrow in Australia?)

What Is Borrowing Capacity?

Borrowing capacity is the maximum amount a lender is willing to lend you based on your financial situation.

It is not based on property price — it is based on you.

How Lenders Calculate Borrowing Power

Lenders assess:

Income

  • Salary
  • Bonuses
  • Rental income
  • Business income

Expenses

  • Rent
  • Utilities
  • Living costs
  • Subscriptions

Existing Debts

  • Credit cards
  • Personal loans
  • Car loans

Credit Score

Your repayment history plays a major role in approval.

Interest Rate Stress Testing

Lenders don’t use current rates alone. They test your ability to repay at higher rates (buffer rates), ensuring you can handle future increases.

Why Borrowing Capacity Changes Between Lenders

Each lender has:

  • Different policies
  • Different risk appetite
  • Different expense calculations

This is why one bank may offer $600K while another offers $720K.

How to Increase Borrowing Capacity

1. Reduce Credit Card Limits

Even unused credit limits affect borrowing power.

2. Pay Down Debt

  • Lower debt = higher capacity.

3. Increase Income

Bonuses and secondary income help.

4. Reduce Living Expenses

Lenders assess lifestyle spending.

Common Mistakes

  • Applying before understanding borrowing power
  • Assuming all lenders calculate the same way
  • Not reviewing credit report before applying

Why Brokers Help

A broker like Believe Finance compares multiple lenders to maximise borrowing capacity and approval chances.

Conclusion

Your borrowing capacity is one of the most important factors in buying property. Understanding it early gives you clarity, confidence, and control.