Buying guide

How much can I borrow for a mortgage?

Before looking for a home, you should calculate how much you can borrow and afford for a mortgage.

Gill South
Last updated: 27 August 2025 | 5 min read
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Before house hunting, determine your borrowing power. A rough guide is five times your gross salary, but online calculators provide a better estimate based on your income and expenses.

Lenders typically require a 20% deposit for the best rates and will assess your employment stability and credit rating. Pre-approval gives a strong indication of your budget, but the final loan amount depends on the specific property.

A mortgage broker can help navigate different lender criteria to maximise your borrowing potential.

What you’ll learn:

How much can I borrow for a mortgage?

How much of a mortgage can I afford?

How can I borrow as much as possible?

Regular income earners are treated differently to those that are self employed

Will pre-approval on a home loan tell me exactly what I can borrow?

How can my credit rating affect my ability to borrow for a mortgage?

Author

Gill South Gill South
Business and property journalist