Equity Unlock Calculator
Already own property? Find out exactly how much equity you can release at 80% LVR to fund your next investment purchase — with per-property breakdown, stamp duty estimate, and 5-year growth projection.
Free. No sign-up. Supports up to 4 properties. Updated 2026.
Your Properties
Enter up to 4 properties you currently own.
Property 1
Total Equity
$400,000
Current LVR
50.0%
Equity Release Settings
Standard — most lenders release equity to 80%
Used for the 5-year equity growth projection. Australian capital city average: ~5–7% p.a.
Next Purchase
Optional — enter a target price for gap analysis.
We'll tell you if you have enough equity now, or how long until you do.
Used to estimate stamp duty on your next purchase.
Note: Results are estimates only. Lender policies vary — consult a mortgage broker or financial adviser before making investment decisions.
How the Calculator Works
Enter Your Portfolio
Add up to 4 properties with their current market values and outstanding loan balances. The calculator shows equity for each property individually.
Usable Equity at 80%
We calculate usable equity at your target LVR: the portion most lenders allow you to borrow against without LMI. Includes stamp duty estimate for your next purchase.
5-Year Projection
See how your usable equity and maximum purchase power grows over 5 years — based on your assumed annual growth rate, with loans held constant.
What Makes This Calculator Different
- ✓ Multi-property support: Model up to 4 properties simultaneously — the only free Australian tool that does this
- ✓ Adjustable LVR: See usable equity at 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% LVR — not just the 80% default
- ✓ Stamp duty included: Estimates investment property stamp duty in your target state so the purchase power figure is realistic
- ✓ Gap analysis: Enter a target price and see instantly if you have enough equity, or how many years until you do
- ✓ 5-year projection: Understand when you'll be able to buy your next property based on portfolio growth assumptions
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How Much Deposit Do You Need for an Investment Property? (2026)
Understand deposit requirements and how equity in your existing properties can replace a cash deposit entirely.
Equity Unlock FAQs
What is usable equity in property?▼
Usable equity is the portion of your property's value that a lender will allow you to borrow against without requiring LMI. Most lenders cap this at 80% of the property's current value. Formula: Usable equity = (Property value × 80%) − Outstanding loan. On an $800,000 property with a $400,000 loan: usable equity = $640,000 − $400,000 = $240,000.
How do lenders calculate how much equity I can release?▼
Lenders order their own valuation of your property (which may differ from what you think it's worth) and lend up to 80% of that assessed value. Your releasable equity is: (Assessed value × 0.80) − outstanding loan balance. Note that serviceability — your income relative to total debt — is a separate hurdle you also need to clear.
What is the 80% LVR rule for equity release?▼
The 80% LVR threshold is the point at which most lenders require LMI (Lender's Mortgage Insurance). Keeping your total borrowings at or below 80% of the property's value means no LMI, which typically saves thousands. This calculator defaults to 80% but lets you model 60%, 70%, or 90% LVR scenarios.
Can I use equity as a deposit for an investment property?▼
Yes — and this is the core strategy for most portfolio-building investors. You release usable equity from your existing property (via refinance, line of credit, or equity loan) and use it as the deposit on your next purchase. The lender then holds security over both properties. You'll still need to pass serviceability testing on the total combined debt.
How long does it take to access equity in Australia?▼
Typically 2–6 weeks. The process involves a lender valuation, credit assessment, and loan documentation. If you refinance to a new lender, allow up to 8 weeks. A mortgage broker who already has your financials on file can often get this done in 2–3 weeks. Some lenders offer pre-approvals on equity access, which you can activate when you find a property.
Related Calculators
Borrowing Capacity Calculator
Find out how much you can borrow based on income and expenses — the income-based complement to equity unlocking.
Capital Growth Calculator
Project future property values and understand how capital growth builds the equity you'll eventually unlock.
Cash Flow Calculator
Once you've identified how much you can unlock, model the monthly cash flow on your next investment property.
Want expert help unlocking your equity?
Our buyers agents and advisors can help you access equity, identify the right next property, and build your portfolio strategically — free initial consultation.
Or call 02 9099 5636