Guides
Home loan guides
Everything Borrowable knows, written down: how lenders work out what you could borrow, what each state charges and gives, and how to finance a new build. Every figure is calculated or sourced, and dated.
How much could I borrow
How much can I borrow? Estimates by salary
What salaries from $50,000 to $300,000 could borrow for a home in Australia, for singles and families, updated with the RBA cash rate (4.6%).
How much can I borrow on a $50,000 salary?
On $50,000 a single person could borrow about $163,000 to $196,000 today. See how a partner, children, credit cards and HECS change it.
How much can I borrow on a $90,000 salary?
On $90,000 a single person could borrow about $409,000 to $491,000 today. See how a partner, children, credit cards and HECS change it.
How much can I borrow on a $100,000 salary?
On $100,000 a single person could borrow about $471,000 to $565,000 today. See how a partner, children, credit cards and HECS change it.
How much can I borrow on a $120,000 salary?
On $120,000 a single person could borrow about $595,000 to $714,000 today. See how a partner, children, credit cards and HECS change it.
How much can I borrow on a $150,000 salary?
On $150,000 a single person could borrow about $749,000 to $898,000 today. See how a partner, children, credit cards and HECS change it.
How much can I borrow on a $200,000 salary?
On $200,000 a single person could borrow about $996,000 to $1,196,000 today. See how a partner, children, credit cards and HECS change it.
How much can I borrow on a $250,000 salary?
On $250,000 a single person could borrow about $1,215,000 to $1,458,000 today. See how a partner, children, credit cards and HECS change it.
How much can I borrow on a $300,000 salary?
On $300,000 a single person could borrow about $1,434,000 to $1,720,000 today. See how a partner, children, credit cards and HECS change it.
Stamp duty
Stamp duty calculator for every state and territory
Free stamp duty calculator for every Australian state and territory, with first home buyer exemptions and concessions, checked against each revenue office.
Stamp duty in New South Wales
New South Wales transfer duty for any price, with current rates and first home buyer exemptions, checked against the NSW revenue office.
Stamp duty in Victoria
Victoria land transfer duty for any price, with current rates and first home buyer exemptions, checked against the VIC revenue office.
Stamp duty in Queensland
Queensland transfer duty for any price, with current rates and first home buyer exemptions, checked against the QLD revenue office. $800,000 example included.
Stamp duty in Western Australia
Western Australia transfer duty for any price, with current rates and first home buyer exemptions, checked against the WA revenue office.
Stamp duty in South Australia
South Australia stamp duty for any price, with current rates and first home buyer exemptions, checked against the SA revenue office. $800,000 example included.
Stamp duty in Tasmania
Tasmania property transfer duty for any price, with current rates and first home buyer exemptions, checked against the TAS revenue office.
Stamp duty in Australian Capital Territory
Australian Capital Territory conveyance duty for any price, with current rates and first home buyer exemptions, checked against the ACT revenue office.
Stamp duty in Northern Territory
Northern Territory stamp duty for any price, with current rates and first home buyer exemptions, checked against the NT revenue office.
First home buyers
First home buyers in Australia: what help is available in 2026
Every first home buyer scheme in Australia: the 5% Deposit Scheme, Help to Buy, super saver, and each state's grant and stamp duty relief, with current caps.
First home buyers in New South Wales: every grant, concession and scheme
Every first home buyer grant, stamp duty concession and scheme in New South Wales, with the current caps and a worked example of the cash you need.
First home buyers in Victoria: every grant, concession and scheme
Every first home buyer grant, stamp duty concession and scheme in Victoria, with the current caps and a worked example of the cash you need.
First home buyers in Queensland: every grant, concession and scheme
Every first home buyer grant, stamp duty concession and scheme in Queensland, with the current caps and a worked example of the cash you need.
First home buyers in Western Australia: every grant, concession and scheme
Every first home buyer grant, stamp duty concession and scheme in Western Australia, with the current caps and a worked example of the cash you need.
First home buyers in South Australia: every grant, concession and scheme
Every first home buyer grant, stamp duty concession and scheme in South Australia, with the current caps and a worked example of the cash you need.
First home buyers in Tasmania: every grant, concession and scheme
Every first home buyer grant, stamp duty concession and scheme in Tasmania, with the current caps and a worked example of the cash you need.
First home buyers in Australian Capital Territory: every grant, concession and scheme
Every first home buyer grant, stamp duty concession and scheme in Australian Capital Territory, with the current caps and a worked example of the cash you need.
First home buyers in Northern Territory: every grant, concession and scheme
Every first home buyer grant, stamp duty concession and scheme in Northern Territory, with the current caps and a worked example of the cash you need.
New builds and off the plan
House and land packages: the complete guide to financing one
Buying a house and land package: one contract or two, stamp duty by state, construction loans, grants for new homes and what to ask the builder.
Split contracts and stamp duty: why the land and the build are taxed differently
Why a separate land and building contract usually means stamp duty on the land only, what it saves in each state, and when the two are taxed as one.
How construction loans work: progress payments, interest and what lenders need
How construction loans work: progress payments at each stage, interest during the build, builders' deposit limits, what lenders need and the risks.
New build valuations: why they come in low and what to do
How lenders value a new home or house and land package, why valuations come in below the price, and what you can do before and after it happens.
Buying off the plan: finance, stamp duty and the risks to manage
Buying off the plan: deposits, when your loan is assessed, stamp duty concessions by state, valuation risk at settlement and sunset clauses.
Dual key, dual occupancy and granny flats: how lenders see them
How lenders see dual key homes, duplexes and granny flats: rental income, valuations and why policy varies so much from one lender to the next.
Beyond the banks
Talk to a broker
An online mortgage broker for anywhere in Australia
Online mortgage broker for all of Australia: see what you could borrow in minutes, then talk to Joshua James at Ace Lending. No fee for most home loans.
A Sydney mortgage broker who starts with your numbers
Mortgage broker in Sydney: see what you could borrow in minutes, then talk to Joshua James at Ace Lending Solutions, Castle Hill. No fee for most home loans.
A Melbourne mortgage broker who starts with your numbers
Mortgage broker for Melbourne: see what you could borrow in minutes, then talk to Joshua James and Ace Lending Solutions, Wheelers Hill. No fee for most home loans.
Quick answers
How much can I borrow on a $90,000 salary?
A single applicant on $90k with no debts and no dependants could borrow around $409,000 to $491,000 with most lenders today, and here is what moves it.
Does HECS affect how much I can borrow for a home loan?
Yes. HECS reduces your take home pay, and lenders assess take home pay. Here is how much it costs and what changed in 2025.
I pay my credit card off every month. Why does it reduce my borrowing power?
Lenders assess the limit, not the balance. On $100,000 a $15,000 limit can cost you around $69,000 of loan even if you never carry a cent.
Can I get a home loan if I have only been self employed for one year?
Yes with some lenders, on tighter terms. Here is what one year, two year and low documentation policies actually ask for.
How does the 5% deposit First Home Guarantee work?
The government guarantees the gap so you avoid LMI with a 5% deposit. Since October 2025 there are no income caps and no place limits; price caps still apply.
Do first home buyers pay stamp duty in NSW?
Not up to $800,000, and a reduced amount up to $1 million. Above that, full duty applies.
What does it cost to break a fixed rate to refinance?
It depends on how far rates have moved since you fixed and how long is left. It can be nothing or tens of thousands. Here is how to find out before you decide.
How is rental income counted when I borrow for an investment property?
Lenders count around 80% of the rent, some add back negative gearing, and investor loans cost more. The net effect is usually positive but smaller than you think.
How much deposit do I actually need to buy a home?
Anywhere from 5% to 20% of the price, plus costs, depending on scheme eligibility, profession and whether you accept LMI. The honest answer is a table, not a number.