Equity Calculator
Ready to unlock your equity?
A Rovo broker can help you access equity for investment, renovation or refinancing — free & obligation-free.
This calculator provides estimates only and does not constitute financial advice. Actual usable equity depends on lender policy, property valuation, and your credit profile. Rovo Finance (NJ IT PTY LTD ABN 67 654 854 378) CCR 570633 of Broker ACL Pty Ltd ACN 681 761 375 (ACL 563763).
Home equity calculator Australia, how much can you access?
Equity is the difference between what your property is worth today and how much you still owe on your home loan. As property values rise and you pay down your mortgage, your equity grows and that equity can be unlocked to fund an investment property purchase, home renovation, debt consolidation, or a range of other financial goals.
Our equity calculator shows your total equity, your usable equity at different LVR thresholds, and how much you could borrow against your property today, without touching your deposit or savings.
What is usable equity?
Total equity is the full gap between your property value and your loan balance. Usable equity is the portion a lender will actually allow you to access. Most lenders will lend up to 80% of your property value without requiring Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). Your usable equity is therefore: (Property value × 80%) minus your current loan balance.
Example: $750k property, $450k loan
Total equity: $300,000 (40% of value). Usable equity at 80% LVR: $750,000 × 80% − $450,000 = $150,000. This $150k could be used as a deposit for an investment property worth up to $750,000 (with an 80% LVR investment loan).
How lenders access equity
Equity is typically accessed by refinancing your existing loan to a higher amount, setting up a line of credit against your property, or splitting your loan to release equity as a separate facility. Each approach has different implications for interest rates and tax.
What can you use equity for?
- Investment property deposit: the most common use. Access equity in your home to fund the deposit on an investment property without saving additional cash
- Home renovation: upgrade your existing property, potentially increasing its value and equity further
- Debt consolidation: roll high-interest personal loans or credit cards into your home loan at a lower rate
- Shares or managed funds: some investors use equity to fund a share portfolio (seek financial advice before doing this)
- Upgrading your home: use equity as a deposit on your next home while selling your current property
Your next step starts here
FAQs
Most lenders require a 20% deposit for an investment property to avoid LMI. You can use your home equity as that deposit. For a $600,000 investment property, you need $120,000 in usable equity plus stamp duty and costs. A Rovo broker can help structure both loans to minimise costs and maximise tax efficiency.
You may be able to access equity through redraw, a line of credit, or a split loan. Refinancing often unlocks the most equity at the best rate, but it depends on your lender and loan structure. A Rovo broker can help you choose the most cost‑effective option.
Accessing equity or refinancing triggers a credit enquiry, which may temporarily lower your score. Responsible repayment behaviour restores it over time. Multiple applications in a short period can harm your score, which is why using a broker is safer than applying with multiple lenders yourself.
Lenders order an independent valuation, either a full inspection or an automated valuation model. If the valuation comes in lower than expected, your usable equity decreases. Always use a conservative estimate until a formal valuation is completed.
No. Equity is the difference between your property value and your loan balance. Profit from selling deducts selling costs and tax. For investment properties, capital gains tax applies to the profit above your cost base. A Rovo broker can help you model your true net position.