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Loan Basics #8:

Q: How much should I borrow?

A: As much as you can comfortably repay.

It's not that hard to work out your borrowing capacity. Every bank and Mortgage Broker has an online Home Loan Calculator that answers the question, "How much can I borrow?" Working out how much you should borrow can be a little more difficult.

How much can I borrow?

The factors that Lenders take into consideration in determining your borrowing limit are:

Net income

• • How much do you clear?
  • Will you have one salary or two?
  • Do you have other sources of income?

Stability of income

• • Are you in full-time work?
  • How long have you been with your employer?
  • Are you self-employed?.

Other loan repayments Do you have a car loan? HECS debt? Credit card debt?

Total credit card limit A high limit can decrease your borrowing capacity

Credit history A bad credit history won't help - but you should be honest

Number of dependants Do you have children?

Term of the loan Are you taking out a 15-year or 30-year loan?

Interest rate When rates are higher, your borrowing capacity will be lower

Debt-service ratios In determining your borrowing limit, Lenders use what is called the debt-service ratio - the ratio of loan repayments to your gross income. For single income earners, this ratio should not exceed 35%. For double income earners, the ratio should not exceed 40%.

How much should I borrow?

While MFAA-accredited Members are bound to ensure you don't borrow more than you can service, ultimately only you can decide how much you should borrow.

What you should take into account

The Lender's main concern in determining how much you can borrow is "Can they repay the loan?". They may not take into account a host of other personal matters - but you should. These include:

• • Income security – You know more than the Lender about the security of your income. How safe is your job?
  • Family planning – You might not have children now, but are you planning to? And if so, will this mean going from two salaries down to one?
  • Job satisfaction – If you have a highly paid job, you can borrow more. But, if you don't like your job, or it's highly stressful, taking out a large Mortgage can have long-term lifestyle implications.
  • Lifestyle – You might be able to afford to service a large loan, but only if you have no social life whatosever. You need to consider whether that's a trade-off you're happy to make.
  • Other goals- Property ownership has become a preoccupation for Australians. But, there are other financial goals to consider - like providing for your retirement. And money isn't everything. Will taking out a large Mortgage mean you'll never fulfil your dreams?

Only you can decide That's why the question should not be 'How much can I borrow?', but 'How much should I borrow?'. And only you can ultimately make that decision.

Want another Mortgage & Home Loan tip?

Mortgages & Home Loans: Hidden Fees. Check out Loan Basics #09