How Much Can I Borrow for a Home Loan? A First-Time Buyer’s Guide

This article is by Cube Home Loans, Logan Queensland Finance Brokers.
If you need home, car or business loan help, just get in touch here.

You’ve been scrolling through listings, picturing your first home in Logan, maybe a modern townhouse or a Queenslander with a big backyard. But before you get carried away, one big question needs an answer: how much can I borrow for a home loan?


Mortgage brokers in Logan, like our team at Cube Home Loans, help locals calculate their borrowing capacity and match them with eligible home loan products that suit their goals. We work with first-time buyers, investors, and self-employed professionals to navigate lender requirements and find the right fit.


Knowing your limit before browsing properties can save you time, reduce stress, and avoid falling in love with a home outside your range. This guide explains what affects your borrowing capacity and how to improve it before you apply.



Want a clear answer on how much you can borrow for a home loan? Our Logan mortgage brokers analyse your income, debts, and deposit to give you a precise figure and connect you with lenders offering better rates. Call 1800 774 756 or visit cubeloans.com.au today.



How Much Can I Borrow for a Home Loan – Key Factors Lenders Consider


Lenders assess more than just your pay slip. Your loan amounts are based on a combination of income, credit, debts, and the size of your deposit.


Income and Job Stability


Stable employment provides lenders with confidence that you can meet repayments. They will look at your annual income, any regular bonus, rental income from investment loans, and even earnings through a family investment trust or corporate entity if applicable.


Credit Score and History


A higher credit score can speed up credit approval and may qualify you for lower interest rates. If your score is low, review the lender’s credit policy and work on improving your credit before applying to increase your chances of success.


Existing Debts and Financial Commitments


Car loans, personal loans, and high credit limits reduce your available borrowing capacity. Even if a credit card is unused, lenders may still factor its limit into their borrowing calculator when determining your affordability.


Down Payment Size


Meeting minimum deposit requirements, usually 20%, can help you avoid mortgage insurance costs. It’s also important to budget for Stamp duty and other one-off cost items when planning your home purchase.



How Lenders Calculate Your Loan Amount


Debt-to-Income (DTI) Ratio


This ratio compares your total debt to your income before tax and is a key factor in determining your borrowing capacity. Most lenders prefer a lower DTI because it shows you have more income available for repayments, which makes your application stronger and may increase the loan amounts you can be offered.


Interest Rates and Rate Options


You can choose between rate options such as fixed, variable, or split loans. These are based on the lender’s applicable reference rate and current reference rates, which may change with movements in cash interest rates set by the Reserve Bank of Australia. Your repayments can be affected by interest rate changes, so it’s important to understand how these might impact your budget over time.


Loan Terms and Repayment Periods


Longer repayment periods can increase the amount you are approved to borrow, but may result in higher overall interest costs. Shorter terms save on total interest but could reduce your initial loan approval amount.


Loan Attributes and Fees


Lenders will consider loan attributes such as redraw facilities, offset accounts, and repayment flexibility. You should also check for monthly service fees, a non-refundable annual fee, and how your initial package lending balance will affect your repayment schedule, especially if you plan on making lump sum payment contributions.



Ways to Estimate Your Borrowing Power Before You Apply


Use a Borrowing Calculator


Online tools like ANZ’s mortgage calculator can help you estimate repayments. These tools account for your loan balance, loan attributes, and different payment schedules such as fortnightly amounts or monthly instalments.


Understand Conditional Approval


Conditional approval means a lender has agreed in principle to lend you money, provided you meet certain conditions. These can include providing satisfactory security over the property and meeting the lender’s documentation requirements.


Talk to a Broker Early


Home loan brokers in Logan can connect you with lenders that offer suitable loan options for your needs. This may include ANZ Home Loan products or Viridian Line of Credit, each offering different rate periods, access to eligible home lending accounts, and payment methods such as Direct Debit.



Stop guessing your borrowing limit. The Logan mortgage brokers at Cube Home Loans know lender policies inside out and can secure faster approvals for your home loan application. Phone 1800 774 756 or go to cubeloans.com.au now.



Frequently Asked Questions


How much can you borrow on a $100k salary in Australia?


With no major debts, you might expect a borrowing capacity of around $500,000 to $600,000. The final figure will depend on your living expenses, interest rate, and lender credit policy, so it’s best to use a borrowing calculator for an accurate estimate.


How much can you afford to borrow for a home on your salary?


Start by deciding on repayments you can comfortably manage, whether monthly or fortnightly amounts. Remember to include Stamp duty, legal fees, and other upfront costs when working out your total budget.


How much do you need to make to get a $500,000 mortgage in Australia?


Most lenders look for an annual income of about $80,000 to $90,000 if you have low debt and an eligible home loan. Other factors like your deposit size, loan balance, and loan attributes will also influence your approval amount.


How much maximum home loan can I get on my salary?


The maximum amount will depend on your income before tax, existing debts, and the lender’s credit policy. A broker can compare loan options across multiple banks to find one that maximises your borrowing power.


Is it possible to borrow more than my pre-approval amount?


Yes, it can happen if your financial situation improves before the initial period ends or if you meet more favourable lender conditions. Keep in mind that you will still need to satisfy all loan approval requirements before settlement.


Does my credit score affect how much I can borrow for a home loan?


Yes, a higher score can improve your chances of credit approval and may help you secure a lower interest rate. A lower score might still be acceptable, but you could be offered reduced loan amounts or stricter conditions.


How do lenders treat student loans when calculating borrowing limits?


HECS-HELP and other student loans are treated as ongoing commitments in your expense calculations. This slightly lowers your borrowing capacity as lenders factor these repayments into your overall affordability assessment.


Smart Borrowing – Final Thoughts for First-Time Buyers


If you’re asking how much I can borrow for a home loan, the answer depends on your income, debts, and deposit size, but expert help makes all the difference. Our Logan mortgage brokers at Cube Home Loans assess your loan balance, eligibility, and loan attributes to recommend the right lender and structure for your needs.


We explain minimum deposit requirements, guide you through conditional approval, and compare loan options with flexible repayment periods, access to eligible home lending accounts, and ongoing support even if interest rate changes affect your repayments.


Call Cube Home Loans on 1800 774 756 or visit cubeloans.com.au to discover how much you can borrow for a home loan and start your journey to homeownership in Logan today.

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