Mackay has long been one of Queensland’s most family-friendly regions — offering great schools, beaches, and a strong sense of community. But when it comes to raising a family and buying a home, many parents ask the same question: What can we actually afford on our income?
At Gardian Finance in Mackay, we help families across Mackay understand their borrowing power and make confident property decisions. Here’s a look at what different household incomes might afford in today’s market.
💵 Household Income of $80,000–$100,000
For couples on a modest combined income, Mackay remains one of the more affordable regional centres in Queensland.
Borrowing Power: Around $400,000–$500,000 (depending on debts and expenses)
Typical Home: A 3-bedroom starter home in a family-friendly suburb like Andergrove or Mount Pleasant.
Lifestyle: Affordable repayments with careful budgeting for childcare, school costs, and day-to-day family life.
💵 Household Income of $120,000–$150,000
This is where many dual-income families sit, and it opens up more choice.
Borrowing Power: Around $600,000–$750,000
Typical Home: A larger home with room to grow — 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, maybe even a pool. Suburbs like Beaconsfield or Ooralea offer great options.
Lifestyle: More flexibility for family activities, sports, and occasional holidays, while still building equity.
💵 Household Income of $180,000+
Families in this income range have strong borrowing power and can look at premium homes.
Borrowing Power: $900,000+
Typical Home: Spacious modern homes in high-demand suburbs such as Richmond or Rural View, with extra features like big backyards or sheds.
Lifestyle: Ability to upgrade sooner, invest in a second property, or take advantage of offset accounts to pay down the mortgage faster.
🧮 What Really Affects Affordability
It’s important to remember that borrowing power isn’t just about income. Lenders also look at:
Existing debts (credit cards, car loans, HECS/HELP)
Living expenses (childcare, groceries, lifestyle costs)
Deposit size and savings history
Credit score and repayment history
This means two families on the same income can have very different borrowing capacities.
👨👩👧 Why Mackay Families Choose Gardian Finance
We’re more than just brokers — we’re locals who know the Mackay property market inside and out. Whether you’re buying your first family home or upgrading to your forever home, we’ll compare over 35 lenders to find a loan that fits your lifestyle and goals.
🏡 Ready to See What You Can Afford?
Every family is different. Let us crunch the numbers for you and find out how much you can really borrow — and which home loan is right for you.
📞 Call us on (07) 4953 2799 🌐 Visit www.gardian.com.au 📍 Drop in at 73 Wood St, Mackay
