"How much can I borrow?" is one of the most searched mortgage questions in Australia. Here's what actually moves the number — from the serviceability buffer to HECS debt, dependants, and why lenders differ so much.

You don't always need a 20% deposit to buy in Perth — but getting the numbers wrong can cost you thousands. Ian Freeman breaks down exactly what different deposit levels mean, what LMI really costs, and which government schemes could get you into the market sooner.

"How much can I borrow?" is the first question most first home buyers ask — and one of the most misunderstood. Perth mortgage broker Ian Freeman explains what really drives borrowing capacity and why the number a calculator gives you may be very different from what a lender will actually approve.