Borrowing Power on $85,000 Salary
How much you can borrow for a home loan on a $85,000 gross annual salary. Based on bank assessment rates and the 30% serviceability rule.
Last verified: 1 July 2025On a $85,000 salary, you could borrow approximately $258,304
Based on 9.25% assessment rate (6.25% + 3% buffer) and 30% serviceability ratio over 30 years.
Monthly repayment
$1,590.42
at 6.25% over 30 years
Fortnightly repayment
$734.04
at 6.25% over 30 years
Weekly repayment
$367.02
at 6.25% over 30 years
What $258,304 Buys You
How your $258,304 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 $661,696 |
| Melbourne | $800,000 | $640,000 | Short $381,696 |
| Brisbane | $780,000 | $624,000 | Short $365,696 |
| Perth | $700,000 | $560,000 | Short $301,696 |
| Adelaide | $720,000 | $576,000 | Short $317,696 |
| Hobart | $650,000 | $520,000 | Short $261,696 |
| Canberra | $850,000 | $680,000 | Short $421,696 |
| Darwin | $500,000 | $400,000 | Short $141,696 |
Median prices are approximate mid-2025 figures. Actual prices vary by suburb.
Deposit Needed
How much deposit you need for different property values with $258,304 borrowing power.
| Deposit % | Max property | Deposit | Est. LMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5% | $271,898 | $13,595 | $9,041 |
| 10% | $287,004 | $28,700 | $4,649 |
| 20%(no LMI) | $322,879 | $64,576 | $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% | $1,466.62 | $676.90 | -$123.80/mo |
| 6% | $1,548.66 | $714.77 | -$41.76/mo |
| 6.25%(current) | $1,590.42 | $734.04 | — |
| 6.5% | $1,632.65 | $753.53 | +$42.23/mo |
| 7% | $1,718.50 | $793.15 | +$128.08/mo |
| 7.5% | $1,806.10 | $833.58 | +$215.68/mo |
What Reduces Your Borrowing Power
HECS-HELP debt
Compulsory repayments are deducted from income before assessment
-$11,624
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 $9,041) and shows lenders you're a lower risk
- Longer loan term — a 35-year term increases borrowing power to approximately $264,717 ($6,413 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 $258,304 loan:
5% deposit (95% LVR)
$9,041
on $271,898 property
10% deposit (90% LVR)
$4,649
on $287,004 property
15% deposit (85% LVR)
$2,066
on $303,887 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 I borrow on a $85,000 salary?
On a $85,000 gross salary, you could borrow approximately $258,304 for a home loan. Banks assess your ability to repay at 9.25% (the current rate of 6.25% plus a 3% buffer), using up to 30% of your gross income for loan serviceability.
Can I buy a house on a $85,000 salary?
With a borrowing power of $258,304, you could buy a property worth up to $322,879 with a 20% deposit. This is not enough for a median-priced house in Sydney ($1,150,000) but may require a smaller city or unit.
What deposit do I need on a $85,000 salary?
With $258,304 borrowing power, a 20% deposit of $64,576 gets you a $322,879 property with no LMI. A 10% deposit of $28,700 would mean paying approximately $4,649 in Lenders Mortgage Insurance.
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General information and estimates only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Always verify with a licensed adviser or the ATO.
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