[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/truthgroup.com.au\/2026\/06\/26\/how-much-can-i-borrow-on-a-100k-120k-or-150k-salary\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/truthgroup.com.au\/2026\/06\/26\/how-much-can-i-borrow-on-a-100k-120k-or-150k-salary\/","headline":"How Much Can I Borrow on a $100k, $120k or $150k Salary in Australia? (2026 Guide)","name":"How Much Can I Borrow on a $100k, $120k or $150k Salary in Australia? (2026 Guide)","description":"Understanding your borrowing capacity is essential for home buyers, as it helps avoid disappointment when searching for properties. Lenders assess more than just salary, taking into account debts, living expenses, and credit history. Working with a mortgage broker can provide insights into your options and improve your chances of securing the right loan.","datePublished":"2026-06-26","dateModified":"2026-06-26","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/truthgroup.com.au\/author\/nicholasparpistruthpropertycomau\/#Person","name":"Nicholas Parpis","url":"https:\/\/truthgroup.com.au\/author\/nicholasparpistruthpropertycomau\/","identifier":216551164,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f6058d552df68dbaf53120d13f9e89fc9834e3e1ba22039065b40df84bd9df29?s=96&d=identicon&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f6058d552df68dbaf53120d13f9e89fc9834e3e1ba22039065b40df84bd9df29?s=96&d=identicon&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Truth Group Pty Ltd","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/truthgroup.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/TRUTH-GROUP-2.png","url":"https:\/\/truthgroup.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/TRUTH-GROUP-2.png","width":512,"height":200}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/truthgroup.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/truth-group-pty-ltd-6a3e803964077.png","url":"https:\/\/truthgroup.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/truth-group-pty-ltd-6a3e803964077.png","height":1024,"width":1024},"url":"https:\/\/truthgroup.com.au\/2026\/06\/26\/how-much-can-i-borrow-on-a-100k-120k-or-150k-salary\/","video":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"VideoObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=kw7jABgiGto#VideoObject","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=kw7jABgiGto","name":"How Much Can You Borrow on a $100k, $120k or $150k Salary? (Australia 2026 Home Loan Guide)","description":"How much can you borrow on a $100,000, $120,000 or $150,000 salary in Australia?\nSydney mortgage broker and buyers agent Niko from Truth Group explains how much you can borrow in Australia based on your salary, income and lender policies.\nIt's one of the most common questions I hear from first home buyers, families upgrading their home, investors and people looking to refinance.\n\nThe truth is, your salary is only one part of the equation.\n\nIn this video, I explain realistic borrowing examples, what lenders actually assess, and why two people earning the same income can have completely different borrowing capacities.\n\nYou'll learn:\n\n\u2705 Typical borrowing examples for $100k, $120k and $150k salaries\n\n\u2705 Why credit cards, HECS, car loans and living expenses matter\n\n\u2705 How lenders calculate borrowing capacity\n\n\u2705 Practical ways to improve your borrowing power\n\n\u2705 Why comparing 40+ lenders can make a significant difference\n\nIf you're buying your first home, upgrading, refinancing or investing, understanding your borrowing capacity before you start looking at properties can save you time, money and unnecessary stress.\n\n\ud83d\udcd6 Read the full guide here:\n\n\ud83d\udc49 https:\/\/truthgroup.com.au\/ \n\ud83d\udcc5 Book Your FREE Borrowing Capacity & Property Strategy Assessment\n\nIf you'd like to know what you could borrow based on your income, expenses and goals, get in touch today.\n\n\u2714 Compare 40+ lenders\n\n\u2714 Personalised borrowing assessment\n\n\u2714 First Home Buyers\n\n\u2714 Owner Occupiers\n\n\u2714 Investors\n\n\u2714 Refinancing\n\n\u2714 Buyers Agent & Mortgage Broker Support\n\n\ud83c\udf10 https:\/\/truthgroup.com.au\/\n\n\n\ud83d\udc4b About Truth Group\n\nTruth Group helps Australians buy property with confidence by combining Mortgage Broking and Buyers Agent services.\n\nWhether you're buying your first home, upgrading, investing or refinancing, the goal is simple:\n\nBuy Smarter. Borrow Better.\n\n\ud83d\udc4d Enjoyed the video?\n\nIf this video helped you better understand borrowing capacity:\n\n\ud83d\udc4d Like this video\n\n\ud83d\udcac Leave a comment below with your questions about home loans or buying property.\n\n\ud83d\udd14 Subscribe for weekly property, mortgage and first home buyer advice.\n\nYour support helps more Australians make informed property decisions.\n\n#MortgageBroker\n#BorrowingCapacity\n#HomeLoan\n#FirstHomeBuyer\n#PropertyAustralia\n#MortgageAustralia\n#MortgageBrokerSydney\n#SydneyProperty\n#HomeBuying\n#PropertyInvestment\n#RealEstateAustralia\n#BuyersAgent\n#MortgageTips\n#HomeLoansAustralia\n#TruthGroup #mortgagebrokeraustralia \n#borrowingpower  #capacity  #australia a\n#homeloanexpert \n#firsthomebuyers","thumbnailUrl":["https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/kw7jABgiGto\/default.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/kw7jABgiGto\/mqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/kw7jABgiGto\/hqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/kw7jABgiGto\/sddefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/kw7jABgiGto\/maxresdefault.jpg"],"uploadDate":"2026-06-26T13:32:09+00:00","duration":"PT4M26S","embedUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/kw7jABgiGto","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCl_CSrwS5ltS8cuq5VYEvxg#Organization","url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCl_CSrwS5ltS8cuq5VYEvxg","name":"Truth Group Pty Ltd","description":"Truth Group is a Sydney Buyers Agent and Mortgage Broker helping home buyers, first home buyers and property investors make smarter property decisions.\n\nI\u2019m Niko, a licensed Buyers Agent based in Sydney, helping clients find the right property, negotiate confidently and structure their finance correctly.\n\nOn this channel you\u2019ll discover:\n\n\ud83c\udfe1 Sydney Buyers Agent advice\n\u2022 What properties are really worth\n\u2022 Sydney suburb comparisons\n\u2022 Auction and negotiation strategies\n\u2022 First home buyer tips\n\u2022 Property buying mistakes to avoid\n\n\ud83d\udcb0 Mortgage & Finance Guidance\n\u2022 Home loans and refinancing\n\u2022 Borrowing power strategies\n\u2022 Preparing to buy property\n\u2022 Understanding lender requirements\n\nWe help clients with:\n\u2705 Established homes\n\u2705 House & land packages\n\u2705 Investment properties\n\u2705 Residential & commercial property\n\u2705 Home loan solutions\n\nServing Sydney and Australia-wide.\n\n\ud83d\udccd Hoxton Park, Sydney\n\ud83c\udf10 truthgroup.com.au\n\nSubscribe for weekly Sydney property insights, buyer strategies and finance tips.\n","logo":{"url":"https:\/\/yt3.ggpht.com\/6cfbKmHc32AQQ7Jvy8Uk8-gTgkKgXKQ-ntmPlJQwqFyRcDmR-1UVKvPvSqhmucy6vnM6a5UNSz4=s800-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj","width":800,"height":800,"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=kw7jABgiGto#VideoObject_publisher_logo_ImageObject"}},"potentialAction":{"@type":"SeekToAction","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=kw7jABgiGto#VideoObject_potentialAction","target":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=kw7jABgiGto&t={seek_to_second_number}","startOffset-input":"required name=seek_to_second_number"},"interactionStatistic":[[{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=kw7jABgiGto#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_WatchAction","interactionType":{"@type":"WatchAction"},"userInteractionCount":48}],{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=kw7jABgiGto#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_LikeAction","interactionType":{"@type":"LikeAction"},"userInteractionCount":1}]},"about":["Property & Home Loan Guides"],"wordCount":2406,"articleBody":"How Much Can You Borrow on a $100k, $120k or $150k Salary? (Australia 2026 Home Loan Guide) Watch this video on YouTube.One of the first questions almost every home buyer asks is:How much can I borrow?Whether you’re buying your first home, upgrading to a larger home, refinancing or purchasing an investment property, understanding your borrowing capacity is one of the most important steps before you start inspecting properties.Many buyers make the mistake of searching for homes first and only speaking with a lender once they’ve found (the one). Unfortunately, this can lead to disappointment if the property is outside their borrowing capacity.Knowing your budget before you buy allows you to:Search with confidence.Make stronger offers.Avoid wasting time on unsuitable properties.Understand your repayment commitments.Improve your negotiating position with sellers and real estate agents.One of the biggest myths about home loans is that banks simply multiply your salary by a certain number to determine how much they’ll lend.In reality, that’s not how lenders assess a home loan application.Two people earning exactly the same income can receive completely different borrowing limits because lenders assess your entire financial position not just your salary.As a mortgage broker with access to 40+ lenders, I compare lender policies every day to help clients understand their borrowing power and find loan options that suit their financial goals.In this guide, you’ll learn:Typical borrowing ranges for salaries of $100,000, $120,000 and $150,000.What lenders actually look at.Why two people on the same income can borrow different amounts.Simple ways to improve your borrowing capacity.Why comparing lenders can make a significant difference.What Determines How Much You Can Borrow?Your salary is important, but it is only one part of the assessment.Every lender has its own servicing calculator and lending policy.Before approving your loan, they generally consider:Annual incomeEmployment typeLength of employmentExisting mortgage repaymentsPersonal loansCar financeCredit card limitsBuy Now Pay Later accountsHECS\/HELP debtLiving expensesNumber of dependantsSavings historyDeposit amountCredit historyLoan termBecause every lender assesses these factors differently, your borrowing capacity may vary significantly from one lender to another.This is one of the main reasons many buyers work with a mortgage broker rather than applying directly with a single bank.Typical Indicative Borrowing Capacity (2026)The figures below are designed as a general guide only.They assume a typical borrower with:Single PAYG incomeFull-time employmentOwner-occupied propertyPrincipal & Interest repaymentsMinimal existing debtsNo dependantsStandard living expensesGood credit historyGross Annual SalaryTypical Indicative Borrowing Capacity*$100,000$480,000\u2013$570,000$120,000$580,000\u2013$690,000$150,000$720,000\u2013$860,000Disclaimer: These figures are indicative only and are not a loan approval or guarantee. Your borrowing capacity may be higher or lower depending on your financial situation and the lender’s assessment criteria.How Much Can I Borrow on a $100,000 Salary?If you’re earning $100,000 per year, you’re already in a good position to enter the property market.Based on the assumptions outlined above, a borrower earning $100,000 may have a estimated borrowing capacity of approximately $480,000 to $570,000.However, that doesn’t automatically mean every borrower earning $100,000 will qualify for the same amount.Let’s look at two examples.Example 1 \u2013 Strong Borrowing PositionSarah earns:Salary: $100,000Full-time PAYG employmentNo personal loansNo credit cardsNo dependantsGood credit history20% depositBecause Sarah has minimal financial commitments, she may qualify towards the higher end of the indicative borrowing range.Example 2 \u2013 Reduced Borrowing CapacityMichael also earns:Salary: $100,000Car loanTwo credit cardsHECS debtOne dependantAlthough Michael earns exactly the same salary, his borrowing capacity is likely to be lower because lenders take his existing financial commitments into account.This highlights why online borrowing calculators often provide only a rough estimate.What Could You Buy on a $100,000 Salary?The answer depends on:Your deposit.Your location.Your borrowing capacity.The type of property you’re looking to buy.Depending on your financial situation, buyers earning $100,000 may consider:ApartmentsUnitsTownhousesVillasEntry-level homes in more affordable suburbsInterstate investment propertiesIf you’re buying in Sydney, your borrowing capacity may be enough for an apartment or townhouse in selected areas, while freestanding homes may require a larger deposit, a higher household income or looking in more affordable suburbs.Rather than guessing your budget, it’s always better to obtain a personalised borrowing assessment before beginning your property search.How Much Can I Borrow on a $120,000 Salary?A salary of $120,000 generally provides greater borrowing power and expands the range of properties you may be able to consider.Using the same assumptions as above, a borrower earning $120,000 may have a estimated borrowing capacity of approximately $580,000 to $690,000.At this income level, many buyers begin looking at:Larger apartmentsModern townhousesFamily homes in selected suburbsInvestment propertiesHouse and land packages in growth areasHowever, your borrowing capacity is still influenced by much more than your income.Lender Policies MatterMany buyers don’t realise that lenders assess income differently.Some lenders are more favourable when assessing:OvertimeBonusesShift allowancesCommission incomeCasual employmentSecondary employmentChoosing the right lender can sometimes increase your borrowing capacity without increasing your salary.This is one of the biggest advantages of working with a mortgage broker who compares multiple lenders rather than relying on a single bank.What Could You Buy on a $120,000 Salary?Your options will depend on your deposit and financial commitments, but buyers in this income bracket may consider:Premium apartmentsTownhousesFamily homes in selected suburbsNew developmentsInvestment properties across AustraliaThe right property isn’t determined by salary alone.A personalised borrowing assessment gives you a much clearer picture of what’s achievable before you start making offers.Why Two People on the Same Salary Can Borrow Different AmountsThis is one of the most common questions I receive.Many buyers assume earning the same salary means they’ll receive the same loan approval.In reality, lenders look at your entire financial position.Factors that commonly reduce borrowing capacity include:Credit Card LimitsEven if your balance is zero, lenders assess the available credit limit because you could access those funds at any time.Reducing unnecessary limits before applying may improve your borrowing capacity.Car LoansMonthly repayments reduce the amount of income available for mortgage repayments.HECS\/HELP DebtHECS isn’t considered “bad debt,” but compulsory repayments reduce your disposable income and can affect serviceability.DependantsHaving children generally increases the living expenses used in lender servicing calculators.Living ExpensesLenders compare your declared expenses against benchmark figures.Higher ongoing expenses may reduce your borrowing power.Existing MortgagesIf you already own property, your current home loan repayments will also be included when assessing your application.How Much Can I Borrow on a $150,000 Salary?If you’re earning $150,000 per year, you’re in a strong financial position to access a wider range of property opportunities. However, it’s important to remember that your salary alone doesn’t determine how much you can borrow.Using the same assumptions outlined earlier in this guide, a borrower earning $150,000 per year with minimal existing debts and no dependants may have a typical indicative borrowing capacity of approximately $720,000 to $860,000.While this income level generally provides greater flexibility, lenders will still assess your overall financial position before approving your home loan.Example 1 \u2013 Strong Borrowing PositionEmma earns:Salary: $150,000Full-time PAYG employmentNo personal loansNo credit cardsNo HECS debtNo dependantsExcellent credit history20% depositEmma may qualify towards the upper end of the indicative borrowing range because she has very few ongoing financial commitments.Example 2 \u2013 Reduced Borrowing CapacityDavid also earns:Salary: $150,000Two car loansThree credit cardsHECS debtTwo dependantsPersonal loanAlthough David earns exactly the same income, his borrowing capacity may be significantly lower due to his existing liabilities and higher household expenses.This demonstrates why it’s impossible to determine borrowing capacity based on salary alone.What Could You Buy on a $150,000 Salary?Depending on your deposit, location and financial commitments, buyers earning $150,000 may consider:Larger family homesPremium townhousesHigher-value apartmentsNew house and land packagesInvestment propertiesDual occupancy or duplex opportunities in selected locationsIf you’re buying in Sydney, this income may provide access to a wider range of suburbs. However, in many premium locations, buyers may still require a larger deposit or a combined household income.Before beginning your property search, it’s worth understanding exactly what your borrowing capacity is. This allows you to focus on properties within your budget and avoid the disappointment of finding a home that isn’t financially achievable.How Can You Increase Your Borrowing Capacity?Many buyers don’t realise there are practical steps they can take to improve their borrowing power before applying for a home loan.Here are some of the most effective ways to maximise your borrowing capacity.Reduce Your Credit Card LimitsEven if you never use your credit cards, lenders generally assess your available credit limit rather than your outstanding balance.Reducing unnecessary credit card limits or closing unused accounts may improve your borrowing capacity.Pay Off Personal LoansMonthly repayments on personal loans reduce your available income for mortgage repayments.Paying off these debts before applying may improve your serviceability.Avoid Taking on New DebtBuying a new car or financing expensive purchases just before applying for a home loan can reduce your borrowing power.If you’re planning to buy a property, consider delaying major purchases until after settlement.Increase Your DepositA larger deposit may:Reduce your Loan-to-Value Ratio (LVR)Reduce or eliminate Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) in some circumstancesImprove your loan optionsReduce your monthly repaymentsReview Your Living ExpensesLenders compare your declared living expenses against benchmark figures.Reducing unnecessary spending before applying can strengthen your financial position and improve your serviceability.Choose the Right LenderEvery lender has different servicing policies.Some lenders are more generous when assessing:Overtime incomeBonusesCommission incomeShift allowancesCasual employmentSelf-employed incomeChoosing the right lender can sometimes increase your borrowing capacity without increasing your salary.Why Comparing More Than One Lender MattersMany buyers simply apply with the bank they already use.While this may seem convenient, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the right lender for your circumstances.Every lender has different policies regarding:Borrowing capacityIncome assessmentAcceptable living expensesSelf-employed applicantsFirst home buyersInvestorsFamily guaranteesConstruction loansAs a mortgage broker with access to 40+ lenders, I compare multiple loan options to help clients find a solution that suits their financial goals rather than relying on the policies of a single bank.Even if two lenders offer similar interest rates, one may allow you to borrow considerably more than the other.Should You Get Pre-Approval Before Looking at Properties?Absolutely.One of the biggest mistakes buyers make is attending inspections without knowing their borrowing capacity.Pre-approval helps you:Understand your realistic budget.Search with confidence.Make stronger offers.Avoid disappointment.Act quickly when the right property becomes available.Although pre-approval is not a guarantee of formal finance approval, it provides a valuable indication of your borrowing capacity before you commit to a purchase.Frequently Asked QuestionsIs salary the only thing lenders look at?No.Your salary is only one part of the assessment.Lenders also consider your existing debts, credit card limits, HECS\/HELP debt, living expenses, deposit, employment stability, dependants and credit history.Does HECS affect borrowing capacity?Yes.Depending on lender HECS\/HELP repayments reduce your disposable income, which can lower your borrowing capacity.Do credit cards reduce borrowing power?Yes.Even if your balance is zero, lenders generally assess the available credit limit because you could access those funds at any time.Can a mortgage broker help me borrow more?Potentially.Every lender has different servicing calculators and lending policies.Comparing multiple lenders may help identify options that better suit your financial circumstances.Are online borrowing calculators accurate?Online borrowing calculators are a useful starting point, but they don’t assess your complete financial situation.A personalised borrowing assessment provides a much clearer indication of what you may be able to borrow.What if I’m self-employed?Many lenders offer specialist policies for self-employed borrowers.Depending on your business structure and financial documents, you may still qualify for competitive home loan options.Related Guides You May Find HelpfulIf you’re planning to buy a property, these guides can help you better understand the home-buying process:Borrowing Capacity Calculator \u2013 Estimate your borrowing power before speaking with a lender.Mortgage Broker Sydney \u2013 Learn how working with a mortgage broker can help you compare over 40 lenders.First Home Buyer Guide \u2013 Everything you need to know before buying your first property.Home Loan Pre-Approval Guide \u2013 Understand how pre-approval works and why it’s important.Mortgage Repayment Calculator \u2013 Estimate your repayments based on different loan amounts and interest rates.Buyers Agent Sydney \u2013 Discover how a buyers agent can help you find, negotiate and secure the right property.What Can You Buy in Sydney With $800,000? \u2013 Explore realistic property options within this budget.What Can You Buy in Sydney With $900,000? \u2013 See what’s currently achievable across different Sydney suburbs.How Much Deposit Do You Really Need to Buy a Home? \u2013 Learn how much you’ll need for your deposit and purchase costs.What Happens After Your Offer Is Accepted? \u2013 Understand the next steps from accepted offer through to settlement.These resources are designed to help you make informed decisions and prepare confidently for your property journey.Ready to Find Out What You Could Borrow?Online borrowing calculators provide useful estimates, but they can’t assess your complete financial situation or compare lender policies.That’s where personalised advice makes all the difference.As a mortgage broker with access to 40+ lenders, I’ll assess your income, expenses, liabilities and financial goals to determine your borrowing capacity and compare suitable loan options on your behalf.Whether you’re buying your first home, upgrading, refinancing or investing, I’ll help you understand your borrowing power before you start making offers on property.Book Your FREE Borrowing Capacity & Property Strategy Assessment TodayKnow what you can borrow before you buy.Get expert guidance, compare over 40 lenders and receive a personalised borrowing assessment tailored to your financial situation.Contact Truth Group today and take the first step towards buying with confidence..wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading45732_d2ed27-02, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading45732_d2ed27-02[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading45732_d2ed27-02\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading45732_d2ed27-02 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading45732_d2ed27-02[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading45732_d2ed27-02\"] 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