We calculate your borrowing capacity using the same method lenders use — including the APRA 3% serviceability buffer. No bank or broker advertises this clearly. You're about to see it.
Person 1
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Before tax. Include base salary + guaranteed allowances.
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Most lenders use 80% of proven bonus income.
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Lenders use ~80% of gross rental.
Person 2 — optional
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Why your income type matters: PAYG employees get 100% of their base salary assessed. Self-employed borrowers typically need 2 years of tax returns, and lenders use the lower of the two years or an average. Contractors often need 12 months continuous in the same role. We know exactly which lenders are most favourable for each situation.
Step 2 of 4 — Liabilities & Expenses
What are your current commitments?
This is where most people are shocked. A $10,000 credit card limit reduces your borrowing capacity by up to $50,000 — even if the balance is $0. Lenders count the limit, not the balance.
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Enter the total LIMIT, not what you owe. E.g. two cards with $10k limits each = $20,000.
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Monthly repayment amount
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Total balance outstanding
Living expenses
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Leave blank and we'll use the HEM benchmark lenders apply.
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The HEM benchmark: If you don't enter expenses, we'll use the Household Expenditure Measure — a conservative benchmark banks use to check if your declared expenses seem realistic. Being significantly below HEM will trigger lender scrutiny. We know how to present your expenses optimally.
Step 3 of 4 — Deposit & Goals
How much deposit do you have?
Your deposit size affects not just how much you can borrow — it determines whether you pay Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI), which can add $15,000–$40,000+ to your loan. There are legal ways to avoid it below 20%.
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Savings, gift funds, equity from existing property, shares. Include the amount you'll have at settlement.
QLD FHB Grant: up to $30,000 for new homes under $750k. Stamp duty concessions apply. We'll factor this in.
The 5% Deposit Scheme (expanded Oct 2025): Property price caps lifted to $1,000,000 in Brisbane. Income caps removed entirely. If you qualify, you can buy with 5% deposit and avoid LMI — saving $15,000–$40,000. We'll show you exactly if you qualify and which lenders participate.
Your results — estimated borrowing capacity
You could borrow up to
$0
Based on APRA's 9.5% serviceability assessment rate
Conservative estimate (lower income only)—
At 4.5% actual repayment rate, 30-year principal & interest
Standard estimate (combined income)—
APRA serviceability buffer applied — what most lenders will approve
Using the most favourable lender for your income profile
Estimated monthly repayment
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At current variable rates (~6.3% p.a.), P&I over 30 years
Maximum property price
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Borrowing capacity + your deposit
LVR at this price
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LMI exposure
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Personalised insights
Get your full report + pre-approval checklist
Our Brisbane mortgage specialists will review your numbers and show you exactly which lenders will approve your scenario — and how to structure it for maximum capacity.
Your results and contact details are sent securely to an Esteb & Co broker. No automated calls, no spam. We'll be in touch within 1 business hour.
We've got your results
A broker from Esteb & Co will review your borrowing profile and send your personalised report shortly. We'll also include a lender shortlist and pre-approval checklist.
What happens next
01
Broker reviews your profile
We check your inputs against current lender policies and identify the 3 most favourable options for your situation.
02
You receive your full report by email
Includes lender comparison, LMI analysis, rate estimates, and a personalised document checklist to get pre-approval ready.
03
15-minute strategy call (optional)
No obligation. We'll walk through your numbers and answer any questions — takes about 15 minutes by phone or Zoom.
Important: This calculator provides estimates only and does not constitute financial advice or a credit assessment. Actual borrowing capacity depends on individual lender assessment and may vary. Interest rates shown are indicative only. Speak to a licensed broker for a formal assessment. Esteb and Co Pty Ltd (ACN 681 636 056) provides credit assistance services as authorised credit representatives (Credit Rep #574070, #574071) of Australian Finance Group Ltd (Australian Credit Licence #389087). We do not provide credit directly. Full details in our Credit Guide.
