Key Features:
Input Options:
- Choose between rent-based or income-based borrowing power calculation
- State/territory selection for accurate grants and stamp duty
- Deposit amount input
- Adjustable interest rate
- Property type selection (new vs established)
- First home buyer checkbox
Realistic Serviceability Assessment:
- Assessment Rate Buffer: Lenders assess at actual rate + 3% buffer (e.g., 6% → 9% assessment)
- Living Expenses (HEM): Accounts for basic living costs (~$2,500/month base + adjustments based on income)
- Tax Considerations: Applies ~25% tax estimate on gross income
- Income Multiple Cap: Maximum loan capped at 6x annual income
- Net Disposable Income: Only uses 90% of available funds (keeps 10% buffer)
Adjustable Target Property Price
After calculating your maximum borrowing power, you can now:
- See Your Maximum - The calculator shows your calculated maximum buying power
- Adjust the Target - Enter a different property price to see how it affects everything
- Get Smart Warnings:
- Above Capacity: ⚠️ Shows how much extra deposit you'd need
- Below Capacity: ✅ Shows your financial buffer and potential savings
Calculation Methods:
- Rent-based: Estimates income assuming rent = 30% of gross income, then applies full serviceability
- Income-based: Uses actual income with proper expense deductions
Comprehensive Results Display:
- Total Buying Power - Main highlight showing what you can afford
- Monthly Repayments - Based on 30-year owner-occupied loan
- Detailed Breakdown:
- Maximum loan amount
- Your deposit
- First Home Owner Grant amount
- Stamp duty savings
State-by-State Grant Data (Current as of Nov 2025):
- NSW: $10K FHOG, stamp duty exemption up to $800K
- VIC: $10K FHOG, stamp duty exemption up to $600K
- QLD: $30K FHOG (until June 2026!), stamp duty exemption up to $500K
- SA: $15K FHOG (no property cap), stamp duty relief
- WA: $10K FHOG, stamp duty concessions
- TAS: $30K FHOG, full stamp duty exemption up to $750K
- ACT: Home Buyer Concession up to $34,270
- NT: $50K for new homes/$10K for established