How Much to Earn to Buy a House in 2026?
Saving a deposit matters. But your income is usually the real lever that decides whether a lender will say yes, and how much they will lend.
That is because your income drives your borrowing power. It also shapes how a lender views your ability to repay the loan under tougher conditions.
When you apply for a home loan, lenders look closely at your personal income. They need confidence that you can handle repayments without stress. They also have legal obligations to avoid approving loans that push people into unmanageable debt.
The tricky part is that many buyers want a simple figure. They want a clear target. Something like, “Tell me the exact salary I need.”
In practice, there is no single number. How much income to buy a home depends on where you buy, what you buy, and whether you buy alone or with someone else.
The average income to buy a home is over $100,000. Is it enough?
Across Australia, average weekly earnings for full-time employees sit around $2,130. That works out to roughly $110,791 per year. These figures are based on May 2025 data, so the average could be a little higher by early 2026.
Even so, an average full-time income is not always enough. Not if you are buying in a high-priced market. Not if you are buying solo. The gap between wages and median house prices still bites in many areas.
Income needed to buy home: what the numbers look like by city
Domain estimated what buyers may need to earn in each capital city. The numbers assume a 20% deposit. The analysis is focused on houses, not apartments. It also shows how much tougher it can be for a solo buyer.
Here is the snapshot of estimated annual incomes:
- Sydney (Australia’s most expensive market): About $232,000 for a single buyer. For couples, about $121,000 each.
- Melbourne: About $145,000 for a single buyer. For couples, about $85,000 each.
- Brisbane: About $166,000 for a single buyer. For couples, about $94,000 each.
- Adelaide: About $143,000 for a single buyer. For couples, about $84,000 each.
- Perth: About $147,000 for a single buyer. For couples, about $86,000 each. Perth house prices have jumped about 97% over the past five years.
- Hobart: About $118,000 for a single buyer. For couples, about $72,000 each.
- Darwin (the most affordable in the analysis): About $111,000 for a single buyer. For couples, about $68,000 each.
- Canberra: About $151,000 for a single buyer. For couples, about $88,000 each.
If you are curious about how much to earn to buy a house, use these as guideposts. Your outcome will vary by lender. It will also shift with your debts, expenses, and interest rate.
Flexibility and schemes can move the goalposts
Because the analysis is based on houses, the bar is higher. Apartments often cost less than houses. That can reduce the income needed.
The estimates also assume the city’s median house price. If you buy in a cheaper suburb, the numbers can drop. The same applies if you buy a smaller home. Flexibility can help, especially for first-home buyers.
Government schemes may also help you buy sooner. One example is the federal government’s 5% Deposit Scheme. It can allow eligible first home buyers to buy with a smaller deposit. It can also remove the lender's mortgage insurance. Property price caps apply. Other schemes may suit your situation better.
When people ask how much to earn to buy a house, they often focus on salary alone. The bigger lever can be what you buy and where you buy.
Thinking about increasing your income? Check how lenders count it
Canstar found that around one in two Australians expect a pay rise in the months ahead. A higher salary can improve borrowing power.
But extra income is not always treated the same. Many lenders do not count 100% of overtime pay. Some take a conservative view of bonuses and commissions, too. They may average it over time. They may also want a longer history.
That is why you should check your numbers before you commit to a plan. The income to buy a home is not only the total amount. It is also how that income is earned and verified.
Talk to Osinski Finance before you push ahead
If you want a clear view of the income needed to buy home, speak with Osinski Finance. We help Australians with home loans, investing in a property, and becoming first-home buyers. We help you compare lenders, work out your borrowing power, and see which first home buyer schemes you may qualify for.
We can show you how much you may be able to borrow with different lenders. We can also map your next steps if you are close.
Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and is presented for informative purposes. It is not intended to constitute tax or financial advice, whether general or personal nor is it intended to imply any recommendation or opinion about a financial product. It does not take into consideration your personal situation and may not be relevant to your circumstances. Before taking any action, consider your own particular circumstances and seek professional advice. This content is protected by copyright laws and various other intellectual property laws. It is not to be modified, reproduced or republished without prior written consent.
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