Thinking about asking the bank how much you can borrow?
Hold up.
Because how you show up to that conversation…
can make a big difference to the answer you get.
And most buyers don’t realise they can influence that outcome before they even apply.
Why going in unprepared can cost you
Walking into a bank without preparing your finances is a bit like turning up to a job interview in your pyjamas.
Technically possible…
but not giving yourself the best shot.
Because lenders don’t just look at your income.
They look at your overall financial picture.
And small things can have a big impact on what you’re approved for.
What lenders are actually looking at
When a lender assesses your borrowing power, they’re asking one main question:
"Can this person comfortably afford repayments?”
To answer that, they look at:
- your income
- your expenses
- your debts
- your credit history
- your financial behaviour
So if you can improve even one or two of these areas…
you can often improve your borrowing position.
Simple ways to boost your borrowing power
Before you apply, there are a few practical things you can do to strengthen your position.
1. Review your credit card limits
Even if you don’t owe anything, lenders assess your limit — not just your balance. Lower limits can improve your borrowing power.
2. Reduce existing debts
Car loans, personal loans, Afterpay — these all reduce how much you can borrow. Paying them down can make a noticeable difference.
3. Keep your credit history clean
Missed payments or defaults can hurt your chances. Consistency builds trust with lenders.
Make sure you’re being assessed properly
A lot of buyers underestimate their income.
Because it’s not always just your base salary that counts.
Depending on your situation, lenders may also consider:
- bonuses and commissions
- government payments
- rental income
- child support
Making sure everything is structured and presented correctly can have a real impact on your outcome.
Why the lender you choose matters
Here’s something many buyers don’t realise.
Different lenders can give you very different answers.
One bank might say no.
Another might say yes — or offer a higher borrowing amount.
That’s where working with a broker can make a big difference.
Instead of relying on one option, you can explore multiple lenders and find the one that best suits your situation.
What if you can’t borrow enough on your own?
Sometimes the numbers don’t quite work solo.
That doesn’t always mean you’re out.
Some buyers choose to:
- apply with a partner
- buy with a sibling or friend
- explore different ownership structures, like Help to Buy
More income can improve your borrowing position — as long as it’s structured correctly.
The takeaway
Getting approved isn’t just about asking:
“How much can I borrow?”
It’s about showing lenders:
why you’re a strong borrower
Because a few small changes before you apply…
can make a big difference to the outcome.
Pre-qualify and see if you can own
