Borrowing Power Calculator
How Much Can I Borrow?
Estimate your borrowing capacity and take the first step toward your WA property goals. Once you’ve completed your initial research, send us an enquiry to help formalise your plans.
Planning your next move starts with a clear number. Whether you are building your first home with Summit Homes Group, upgrading to a bigger space, or expanding your investment portfolio, our borrowing power calculator provides a quick, reliable estimate of your loan potential based on your current income and lifestyle.
How to Use the Borrowing Power Calculator
Using our tool is simple and takes less than two minutes. To get the most accurate estimate, have the following details ready:
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Income: Your gross annual salary (and your partner’s, if applying jointly).
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Other Income: Include rental income, bonuses, or government benefits.
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Living Expenses: Your monthly costs for groceries, transport, and entertainment.
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Existing Debts: Monthly repayments for car loans, personal loans, or HECS/HELP.
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Credit Limits: The total combined limit of all your credit cards (even if they are paid off).
Why Understanding Your Borrowing Power Matters
Your borrowing capacity is the maximum amount a lender is likely to offer you. However, in the 2026 Australian market, lenders are looking closer than ever at serviceability.
What affects your borrowing power in 2026?
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The Serviceability Buffer: Even if your actual interest rate is 5.5%, banks test your ability to pay at a higher rate to ensure you’re protected if rates rise.
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Cost of Living: Lenders now use more detailed benchmarks for household spending. Trimming your subscriptions and discretionary spending three months before applying can boost your capacity.
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The Credit Card Trap: Banks assess credit cards based on their limit, not your balance. Reducing a $10,000$ limit to $2,000$ can significantly increase your loan amount.
Why Choose Westgate Home Loans?
We aren’t just a calculator; we’re your WA finance partners. As the in-house finance team for Summit Homes Group, we specialize in the complexities of the Perth property market.
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Construction Experts: We understand the nuances of progress payments and first-home buyer grants in WA.
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Access to 40+ Lenders: We look beyond the big banks to find the right rate and features for your specific situation.
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Best Interests Duty: Unlike a bank, we are legally required to act in your best interest—not the lender’s.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Does using this calculator impact my credit score?
A: Not at all. This tool is for estimation purposes only. Your credit score is only affected when you submit a formal application for pre-approval.
Q: Why is my borrowing power different between lenders?
A: Every lender has a different “appetite” for risk. Some are more generous with self-employed income, while others offer better terms for healthcare professionals or construction projects.
Q: How can I increase my borrowing capacity?
A: Closing unused credit cards, paying down small debts, and having a consistent savings history are the fastest ways to improve your profile.
