How much can I borrow on a $140,000 salary?

How much can I borrow on $140,000 a year?

On a gross salary of $140,000, a single borrower with no dependants and no other debts could typically borrow in the region of $715,000. As a couple — with a partner earning $84,000 — that rises to roughly $1,126,000.

These figures are modelled the way a lender assesses you: gross income reduced to a net monthly figure, a HEM living-expense floor of about $2,650 a month applied, existing debt commitments deducted, and the remaining surplus tested against a repayment calculated at 9.1% — the actual rate plus the 3% serviceability buffer regulators require.

Borrowing power on $140,000 across five scenarios

• Single, no dependants, no other debt — borrow up to about $715,000, repaying roughly $4,333 a month over 30 years at 6.1%.
• Single, no dependants, $500/mo car loan — borrow up to about $660,000, repaying roughly $3,997 a month over 30 years at 6.1%.
• Single, two dependants — borrow up to about $604,000, repaying roughly $3,661 a month over 30 years at 6.1%.
• Couple, partner earning $84,000, no dependants — borrow up to about $1,126,000, repaying roughly $6,821 a month over 30 years at 6.1%.
• Couple, partner earning $84,000, two dependants — borrow up to about $1,015,000, repaying roughly $6,149 a month over 30 years at 6.1%.

What $140,000 buys you at different deposit levels

Borrowing power is only half the equation — your deposit sets the purchase price ceiling and decides whether you pay lenders mortgage insurance.

• With a 20% deposit: a purchase price up to about $894,000 — deposit of roughly $179,000 plus stamp duty and costs, and no LMI.
• With a 10% deposit: a purchase price up to about $794,000 — LMI applies and is usually added to the loan.
• With a 5% deposit under the First Home Guarantee: a purchase price up to about $753,000 with no LMI, subject to the regional price cap.

The five things that move this number most

• Existing debt and credit limits. Lenders assess your credit card limit, not the balance — a $15,000 card can cost around $70,000 of borrowing power even at a zero balance.
• Dependants. Each child lifts your assumed living expenses under HEM, which comes straight off your serviceable surplus.
• HECS/HELP debt. The compulsory repayment is a fixed deduction from income; paying it out can be worth a large capacity gain, but only if you'd still have your deposit intact.
• Income type. Overtime, bonus, commission and casual income are shaded 80–100% depending on the lender — the single largest source of variation between lenders.
• Lender choice. Different assessment rates, expense floors and treatment of existing debt mean the same file can vary by well over $100,000 between lenders.

How to increase your borrowing power on this income

• Cancel or reduce unused credit card and BNPL limits before applying.
• Pay out or consolidate small personal and car loans, where the numbers stack up.
• Show three to six months of controlled spending — lenders review real transactions, not just the HEM benchmark.
• Extend the loan term where appropriate, which lowers the assessed repayment.
• Apply to a lender whose policy counts your overtime, allowances or self-employed add-backs in full.

An honest word on accuracy

These figures are indicative estimates only, based on a 6.1% rate, a 30-year term, a 3% assessment buffer and HEM-based expenses. They aren't an offer, a pre-approval or credit advice.

Your real number depends on your actual expenses, income type, credit file and the individual lender's policy. Run your own figures in the borrowing power calculator, then book a free 15-minute chat and we'll give you a lender-specific answer.