Strategy · March 2026 · 7 min read
Borrowing Capacity: Why Two Lenders Give Different Numbers
Servicing calculators aren't standardised. Here's why your borrowing power can swing by hundreds of thousands between lenders, and how to use that.
Borrowing capacity isn't a single number. It's a different answer from every lender, because each one applies its own assessment rate, living-expense benchmark, treatment of rental income, and approach to existing debt.
On the same income, we routinely see a $300,000 to $500,000 difference in maximum borrowing across our panel of 30+ lenders. The same client, the same payslips, different policy.
That variance is the entire reason a broker matters. Going to your everyday bank gives you one answer. Our job is to match your specific income mix and goals to the lender whose policy treats them most favourably.
Before you start shortlisting properties, it's worth knowing not just what you can borrow, but who will lend it and on what terms.
The information in this article is general in nature and does not take into account your personal circumstances. Speak with a qualified mortgage broker before making lending decisions.
