How much can I borrow? It's the first question nearly every buyer asks — and the honest answer is "it depends."

In this episode, Shaun Bettman explains how lenders actually work it out:

• The servicing calculator behind every loan — different at every lender
• The inputs that move your number: income, dependents, HECS debt and credit card limits
• Why living expenses are the single most sensitive factor
• The assessment-rate buffer: lenders stress-test you at the current rate plus 3% — and why one or two lenders using a 2% buffer can let you borrow significantly more
• How your loan-to-value ratio (60%, 70%, 90%, with or without LMI) changes the answer

The takeaway: there's no single answer to "how much can I borrow" — it depends on the scenario, and a good broker can show you which inputs to change to borrow more.

Have a home loan question? Book a free assessment with Eden Emerald Mortgages or visit edenemeraldmortgages.com.au.