Australian Lending Policy Reference

How Borrowing Capacity is Calculated

Understanding APRA servicing buffer stress tests and borrowing limits.

Vetted and updated: 2026ACL 387460 Vetted

Core Assessment Analysis

Borrowing capacity is not a simple calculation of salary times five. Lenders evaluate your scenario at a stressed interest rate that is ~3.0% higher than the product interest rate you will actually pay. If your variable rate is 6.2%, the bank tests your capacity at 9.2% on a principal and interest basis. Your Net Quality Ratio must remain positive at this inflated rate to secure approval.

Why Underwriters Focus Here

APRA macroprudential controls dictate that all current household credit exposures must be stressed against systemic interest rate moves to ensure credit resilience.

Key Outcome Assessment Factors

Regulator buffer rate settings, personal gross income, and existing personal debts.

Your pathway from here
General Information Only

Strict regulatory guidelines apply. Safe harbor declarations required.

Model Mortgages Pty Ltd | Australian Credit Licence 387460

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