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Equity you can use
Home Equity
Enter your property value and loan balance — see total equity, the usable portion at an 80% lending limit, and the retained buffer. The starting point for any equity-release conversation.
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A lender will use a valuation, which can differ from price.
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Most lenders cap usable equity at 80% without LMI.
Usable equity
$440,000
Total equity is $680,000; usable is what sits under the 80% limit.
Property value$1,200,000
Current loan($520,000)
Total equity$680,000
Lending ceiling at 80%$960,000
Usable equity$440,000
Current LVR43.3%
How the property value splits
- Current loan$520,000
- Usable equity$440,000
- Retained buffer (20%)$240,000
Around $440,000could be accessible, subject to serviceability and a lender's valuation. It's borrowing power, not cash — the right structure matters.
Assumptions & method
- Usable equity = (property value × lending limit) − current loan.
- The retained buffer is the lender's required margin; releasing it usually triggers LMI.
- Access still depends on serviceability, the lender's own valuation and policy.
- General information only — not credit assistance.
Beyond the numbers
A number is a starting point, not an answer
These tools model the mechanics. The decision depends on structure, timing and the specifics of your scenario — that's the conversation worth having.