Related topics
If you’ve set your sights on buying a property, chances are you’re saving hard for that deposit – and perhaps spending more than a little time looking at listings online! But there’s another important thing to get your head around at this stage: your borrowing power. After all, the amount you’re able to borrow will have a big impact on the place you’ll be able to buy.
There are online calculators that can help you get a rough idea of how much you’ll be able to borrow – but if you’re keen to find out a bit more about how banks make these decisions, here’s some things you should know.
To put it simply, your borrowing power is determined by three key factors.
By making sure you’ve considered these three things, you can put yourself in a good position to not only get a loan, but to comfortably pay it off (which, let’s face it, is an important part).
Your income
As you may already know, the amount you earn will have an impact on the amount you can borrow. On top of that, the type of income you make may also come into play – for example, some lenders will factor in any overtime you get paid, while others won’t. For less regular types of income (things like bonuses or commissions) you may need to provide evidence of how much you’ve earned over the past two to three years. It’s a good idea to start putting together this record now, so you have the info ready by the time you apply.
Another good-to-know is that, if you plan to buy an investment property, your bank may include a proportion of your potential rent when assessing your income. It’s worth seeking some independent advice if you plan to go down this route.
Your lifestyle
Getting a loan is not just about the money you make – it’s also about the money you spend. When you apply, you’ll be asked about your financial commitments, which includes everything from your regular living expenses, to regular payments you make like car loan repayments. The point of this exercise is to make sure you can live comfortably while paying off the amount you’ve borrowed. After all, who wants to be forced to live on baked beans just to own a property – or even worse, to miscalculate what you can afford, and end up struggling to pay back your loan.
When estimating your living expenses in your loan application, be realistic. Also remember that your credit cards will be taken into account – and your bank will look at the credit limit you’re approved for, rather than what you actually owe. For this reason it can be worth reducing your limit if you don’t really need it.
How you’ll handle a rise in interest rates
The last thing a lender needs to be certain about is that you’ll be able to continue paying off your loan, even if interest rates go up. It will help if you can show you live within your means, and have demonstrated the ability to save regularly. If you have extra savings to fall back on, even better – and while you’re probably putting everything into your deposit right now, it’s a good idea to start building up a savings buffer on top of this. As well as giving the bank peace of mind, it’ll probably make you feel more confident too!
The information is current as at publication. Any advice on this website does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs and you should consider whether it is appropriate for you. Deposit products, savings products, credit card and home loan products are issued by ING, a business name of ING Bank (Australia) Limited ABN 24 000 893 292, AFSL and Australian Credit Licence 229823. ING Living Super (which is part of the ING Superannuation Fund ABN 13 355 603 448) is issued by Diversa Trustees Limited ABN 49 006 421 638, AFSL 235153 RSE L0000635. The insurance cover offered by ING Living Super is provided by Metlife Insurance Limited ABN 75 004 274 882, AFSL 238096. ING Home and Contents Insurance is issued by Auto & General Insurance Company Limited (AGIC) ABN 42 111 586 353 AFSL Licence No 285571 as insurer. It is distributed by Auto & General Services Pty Ltd (AGS) ABN 61 003 617 909 AFSL 241411 and by ING as an Authorised Representative AR 1247634 of AGS. All applications for credit are subject to ING's credit approval criteria, and fees and charges apply. You should consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement, Terms and Conditions, Fees and Limits Schedule, Financial Services Guide, Key Facts Sheet and Credit Guide available at ing.com.au when deciding whether to acquire, or to continue to hold, a product. Before interacting with us via our social media platforms, please take a minute to familiarise yourself with our Social Media User Terms https://www.ing.com.au/pdf/Social_Media_User_Terms.pdf.