04/08/2026
Same income. Different borrowing capacity.
Both couples earn a combined income of $170,000, have two children and a $30,000 car loan.
The difference is that one couple also has:
A $10,000 credit card limit
$12,000 per year in private school fees
Those extra commitments reduce their borrowing capacity by approximately $170,000.
This is why borrowing power isnât based on income alone. Lenders also consider your existing debts, credit card limits, dependants and ongoing living expenses.
Even a credit card with no balance can still affect borrowing capacity because lenders generally assess the limit available.
Before you start house hunting, itâs worth knowing how your commitments affect what you can borrow.
Send me a message and I can run through the numbers with you.
Figures are indicative only and borrowing capacity varies between lenders.