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Australian Lending Policy Reference

Household Size & Expenses

How family size and dependency ratios scale your servicing calculations.

Vetted and updated: 2026ACL 387460 Vetted

Core Assessment Analysis

The Household Expenditure Method (HEM) scales exponentially based on household composition. A couple with three children is automatically assessed as having a significantly higher living cost floor than a single applicant. This floor applies even if you declare that you spend less, reducing your personal borrowing capacity with every dependent added.

Why Underwriters Focus Here

Lenders assume larger households face higher baseline costs for food, healthcare, and utilities in an economic stress cycle.

Key Outcome Assessment Factors

Your marital status, the number of dependent children, and your overall gross income band.

Your pathway from here
General Information Only

Falsifying dependent details on applications violates responsible lending guidelines.

Model Mortgages Pty Ltd | Australian Credit Licence 387460

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Continue building your understanding

HEM Expenditure Benchmarks Table