Borrowing Power on $175,000 Combined (Couple)
How much a couple earning $175,000 combined can borrow for a home loan. Based on bank assessment rates and the 30% serviceability rule.
Last verified: 5 May 2026On $175,000 combined, a couple could borrow approximately $531,801
Based on 9.25% assessment rate (6.25% + 3% buffer) and 30% serviceability ratio over 30 years.
Monthly repayment
$3,274.39
at 6.25% over 30 years
Fortnightly repayment
$1,511.26
at 6.25% over 30 years
Weekly repayment
$755.63
at 6.25% over 30 years
What $531,801 Buys You
How your $531,801 borrowing power compares to median house prices across Australian capital cities (with a 20% deposit).
| City | Median | Loan needed (80%) | Affordable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney | $1,150,000 | $920,000 | Short $388,199 |
| Melbourne | $800,000 | $640,000 | Short $108,199 |
| Brisbane | $780,000 | $624,000 | Short $92,199 |
| Perth | $700,000 | $560,000 | Short $28,199 |
| Adelaide | $720,000 | $576,000 | Short $44,199 |
| Hobart | $650,000 | $520,000 | Yes |
| Canberra | $850,000 | $680,000 | Short $148,199 |
| Darwin | $500,000 | $400,000 | Yes |
Median prices are approximate mid-2025 figures. Actual prices vary by suburb.
Deposit Needed
How much deposit you need for different property values with $531,801 borrowing power.
| Deposit % | Max property | Deposit | Est. LMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5% | $559,791 | $27,990 | $21,272 |
| 10% | $590,891 | $59,089 | $9,572 |
| 20%(no LMI) | $664,752 | $132,950 | $0 |
LMI estimates are approximate. Actual LMI varies by lender, loan amount, and LVR.
Monthly Repayments at Current Rates
| Rate | Monthly | Fortnightly | vs 6.25% |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.5% | $3,019.51 | $1,393.62 | -$254.88/mo |
| 6% | $3,188.42 | $1,471.58 | -$85.97/mo |
| 6.25%(current) | $3,274.39 | $1,511.26 | — |
| 6.5% | $3,361.35 | $1,551.39 | +$86.95/mo |
| 7% | $3,538.09 | $1,632.96 | +$263.70/mo |
| 7.5% | $3,718.43 | $1,716.20 | +$444.04/mo |
What Reduces Your Borrowing Power
HECS-HELP debt
Compulsory repayments are deducted from income before assessment
-$53,180
Credit card ($10K limit)
Banks assume 3% of your credit limit as a monthly commitment, even if paid in full
-$36,466
Car loan ($500/month)
Existing debt repayments directly reduce serviceability
-$60,777
Each dependant
Banks add ~$400/month per dependant to living expenses
-$48,622
How to Increase Your Borrowing Power
- Pay off debts first — closing a $10K credit card could add $36,466 to your borrowing power
- Save a bigger deposit — a 20% deposit avoids LMI (saving $21,272) and shows lenders you're a lower risk
- Longer loan term — a 35-year term increases borrowing power to approximately $545,005 ($13,204 more)
- Add a co-borrower — combining incomes significantly increases capacity
- Reduce living expenses — lower declared expenses mean more income available for repayments
Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI)
LMI is required when your deposit is less than 20% of the property value. Here's what you'd pay on a $531,801 loan:
5% deposit (95% LVR)
$21,272
on $559,791 property
10% deposit (90% LVR)
$9,572
on $590,891 property
15% deposit (85% LVR)
$4,254
on $625,649 property
LMI can often be added to the loan (capitalised), but this increases your total debt. First home buyers may be eligible for the First Home Guarantee which allows a 5% deposit with no LMI.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can a couple borrow on $175,000 combined?
A couple earning $175,000 combined could borrow approximately $531,801 for a home loan. Banks assess your combined ability to repay at 9.25% (current rate plus 3% buffer), using up to 30% of gross combined income.
Can a couple on $175,000 buy a house?
With $531,801 borrowing power, a couple could buy a property worth $664,752 with a 20% deposit. This is enough for a median-priced home in Hobart, Darwin.
What deposit does a couple on $175,000 need?
A 20% deposit of $132,950 avoids LMI and lets you purchase up to $664,752. A 5% deposit of $27,990 is possible but adds approximately $21,272 in LMI.
Other Combined Incomes
Compare Scenarios
Related Tools
Sourced from
1 primary source- RBA-Cash-RateRBA StatementRBA cash rate target
Cash rate target set by the RBA Board. Mortgage rates broadly track cash rate movements. Last verified rate baked into mortgage and offset calculators is the most recent published target.
General information and estimates only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Always verify with a licensed adviser or the ATO.