How much can I borrow? A worked guide with real numbers
Lenders don't use a salary multiple. They test whether your income covers your living costs and debts at a rate well above today's. Here is that test, worked through step by step.
Property and finance, explained with data.
Calm, evidence-led guides for working professionals: how lenders really assess you, what the market data says, and the numbers behind every decision. No hype, no spruiking.
- Data first. Every chart is labelled with its source and date.
- Show the working. Worked examples you can check and rerun.
- Upfront. Articles are never paid for, and our disclosures say exactly how we earn.
Offset vs redraw, with the numbers
Both features cut your interest by the same amount. The differences are in access, flexibility and tax, and they matter most if your home might one day become an investment property.
Gross vs net yield, and why net is what matters
A 4.8% gross yield can be a 2.9% net yield once costs and vacancy are counted. Here is the calculation line by line, and what it means for cash flow.
Find your topic
MarketRates, lending, prices, rents and sentiment, read from the data rather than the headlines.LoansHow home loans actually work: borrowing power, income assessment, features and the trade-offs behind them.BuyersFirst home buyers and upgraders: schemes, costs, and the decisions that matter before you sign.InvestingYields, cash flow, gearing and research methods for buying a first or next investment property.DefenceFor ADF members and families: DHOAS, buying around postings, and how allowances are treated.ContractorsABN, contract, FIFO and self-employed income, and what lenders need to see from you.