The same profile, run through a panel of lender archetypes — borrowing power is a policy choice, not a fixed number. Then model whether refinancing an existing mortgage actually pays off. No profile yet — build your plan to see the matrix against your own figures (showing a representative profile below).
Borrowing-power spread $37k between the most and least generous
Indicative serviceability archetypes — not named products. Each row runs your profile through the same deterministic engine with that lender's buffer, floor, rate margin and expense-floor loading.
| Lender archetype | Max borrow | Buying power | Advertised rate | Assessment rate | Repayment | LVR at max |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online lender (lean buffer)HighestSharper rate and a 2.5% buffer lift borrowing power for clean profiles. | $470k | $519k | 5.34% | 7.84% | $2,574/m | 89% |
| Non-bank specialistFlexible serviceability for complex incomes, priced above the majors. | $446k | $495k | 5.89% | 8.39% | $2,592/m | 88% |
| Standard (typical market)Mid-market settings — the baseline used across the app. | $437k | $486k | 5.49% | 8.49% | $2,430/m | 88% |
| Major bank (conservative)Full APRA buffer, slightly higher expense floor, broad product range. | $433k | $482k | 5.59% | 8.59% | $2,434/m | 88% |
⚠ Lenders shown are indicative ARCHETYPES, not specific products — borrowing power and rates vary by your full circumstances and the lender’s current policy.
⚠ The most generous archetype assesses about $37,000 more than the most conservative — borrowing power is a policy choice, not a fixed number. Borrowing to the maximum is rarely the healthy choice.
Model switching your existing mortgage to a sharper rate. We net off switching costs and flag the term-extension trap — a lower monthly repayment can still cost more interest over the life of the loan.
Monthly saving
+$386
Now $4,014/m → $3,627/m
Annual saving
+$4,632
Monthly saving × 12
Break-even
3 mo
Switch costs $1,100
Lifetime interest
+$116k
Less interest paid over the term
✓ On these numbers, refinancing stacks up — costs recouped in 3 mo and 71% LVR.
Refinancing from 6.40% to 5.34% drops repayments by $386/month ($4,632/year).
Switching costs of $1,100 are recouped in about 3 months.
Over the remaining term that is about $115,925 less interest paid.