Skip to Main Content

Borrowing Power Calculator

Our borrowing power calculator is designed to give you an indication of how much you may be able to borrow for your first or next home loan. Simply enter some details about your income and expenses, and calculate your borrowing power in moments. It's important to note, figures provided by our calculator are indicative only, and do not represent a quote or pre-qualification. 

How much can I borrow for my home loan?

Your questions answered

It all boils down to:

  • How quickly you can save, and your desire to be in your first home sooner: So, what is the minimum deposit for a home loan? The figure of 20% being required for a deposit is a common one, but lenders across the country will usually accept a deposit somewhere in the vicinity of 5% to 25%. Of course, if you’re comfortable to wait until you have 20% of your purchase price saved, by all means go for it – you’ll be a more attractive prospect for many lenders. However, if you’re desperate to have your own place sooner, there are options available to you.
  • What your lender will do in terms of a deposit percentage: Different lenders will accept varying deposit amounts when applying for a home loan. For example, at Greater Bank, we’re able to accept deposits as low as 5%, however in situations like this, you may be required to purchase what’s known as Lender’s Mortgage Insurance (LMI). For more on LMI, see below. We also get asked a lot – “Can I get a home loan without a deposit?” and another option that may be open to would-be buyers looking to get into the market sooner is our Family Pledge Loan. In situations where a potential buyer isn’t able to save the full 20% deposit amount, they may be able to use equity in a parent or guarantor’s property to secure their own home loan. For more on our Family Pledge Loan, click here.
  • Whether you’re prepared to accept LMI: LMI is basically a one-off payment you make when you’re unable to save the full 20% deposit amount for your home. It protects the lender in the event you become unable to meet your loan repayments and default on the loan at any point. The amount you pay in LMI is linked to your saved deposit amount – the smaller your deposit percentage, the larger the amount you pay in LMI. The good thing is, however, that at Greater Bank, you are able to include your LMI payment in the total cost of your loan, meaning you can repay it over time in addition to your loan repayments, and get into your new place sooner.

Primarily, your borrowing power is determined by getting an overall picture of how favourable you are as a candidate for a loan.

This picture comes together by taking into account your income level, your current expenses, how much debt you are currently servicing, and your relationship with credit in the past.

A very wise question. Many loan applicants look at their borrowing power as communicated by a lender, and think that this is the amount they need to borrow.

It's wise to think in terms of what you can afford to borrow. That is to say - how much debt can you take on that won't have a negative impact on your life, regardless of whether your financial circumstances remain the same, or change in the future.

More Home Loan FAQs More Home Loan FAQs

Compare our Home Loans

We're here to help

Got a question?

Check out our extensive FAQ section.

View FAQs

Drop in

Find your nearest Branch or ATM

Branch and ATM Locator

Get in touch

Call us Monday to Friday
8:00am to 6:00pm
and
Saturday 8:00am to 1:00pm (AEST/AEDT)

Call 13 13 86

*Conditions, fees and charges apply to all loans. Subject to meeting Greater Bank's lending criteria.

Greater Bank, part of Newcastle Greater Mutual Group Ltd ACN 087 651 992, Australian Financial Services Licence/Australian credit licence 238273 

++$2,000 cashback for loans ≥$250,000 or $2,500 cashback for loans ≥$500,000. Only one (1) Cashback Payment per eligible loan, and for first eligible loan only. Not available in conjunction with any other promotional payment. Offer may be varied or withdrawn at any time. See the full Cashback Offer Terms and Conditions. Terms, conditions, fees, charges and credit criteria apply.

~At the end of the fixed rate period customers can chose to re-fix their loan for another fixed rate period or let the loan revert to the applicable variable interest rate based on the loan and repayment type.

^Comparison rate is based on $150,000 over 25 years. WARNING: This comparison rate is true only for the example given and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate.

#Discounted rates include a discount on Home Loans of $150,000 or over and for owner occupied Home Loans with an LVR 80% or below and for investment Home Loan with an LVR 80% or below and apply to new borrowings only. Discounted rate not available for Line of Credit facilities.

+Additional costs may apply if your loan has a fixed rate.

All new interest-only home loans, attract a 0.10% p.a. margin above the applicable Principal and Interest base rate. All new Line of Credit home loans, attract a 0.10% p.a. margin above the applicable Line of Credit base rate. The all-up interest rate which includes any margins, will be set out in your credit contract. View our Terms and Conditions.

FASTRefi® is a registered trademark of First American Title Insurance Company of Australia Pty Limited ABN 64 075 279 908.

Rate City Gold Award 2024, see http://ratecity.com.au/home-loans/awards for more information