Work out how much you could borrow under the Home Equity Access Scheme and how the loan grows, using Services Australia's rules and 3.95% interest.
Key facts
- The Home Equity Access Scheme lends to people of Age Pension age against Australian real estate, at 3.95% a year compounding fortnightly.
- Your pension plus the loan can be up to 150% of the maximum pension rate: up to $618.85 a fortnight on top of a full single Age Pension.
- You can take up to $16,090.10 (single) in lump-sum advances in any 26 fortnights.
- The maximum loan amount is the property value (rounded down to $10,000) divided by 10,000, times an age component: $3,080 at 70, so $246,400 on an $800,000 property.
- Interest keeps compounding until the loan is repaid, usually from the sale of the property or the estate.
Maximum loan amount by age and property value
| Age | Age component | $400,000 property | $800,000 property | $1,200,000 property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 | $2,080 | $83,200 | $166,400 | $249,600 |
| 65 | $2,530 | $101,200 | $202,400 | $303,600 |
| 67 | $2,740 | $109,600 | $219,200 | $328,800 |
| 70 | $3,080 | $123,200 | $246,400 | $369,600 |
| 75 | $3,750 | $150,000 | $300,000 | $450,000 |
| 80 | $4,560 | $182,400 | $364,800 | $547,200 |
| 85 | $5,550 | $222,000 | $444,000 | $666,000 |
| 90 | $6,750 | $270,000 | $540,000 | $810,000 |
Loan balance over time
| Years | $250 a fortnight | $618.85 a fortnight | $1,000 a fortnight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6,635.02 | $16,424.32 | $26,540.06 |
| 5 | $35,956.01 | $89,005.52 | $143,824.06 |
| 10 | $79,756.57 | $197,429.41 | $319,026.28 |
| 15 | $133,113.11 | $329,508.20 | $532,452.45 |
| 20 | $198,110.48 | $490,402.68 | $792,441.92 |
No advances or repayments; payments at the start of each fortnight and interest at the end, as in Services Australia's examples. Interest rate as set by the Minister; it can change.
Common questions
What is the Home Equity Access Scheme interest rate?
3.95% a year, compounding every fortnight.
How much can I borrow each fortnight?
Enough to bring your pension and loan together up to 150% of the maximum pension rate. On a full single Age Pension of $1,237.70, that's up to $618.85 a fortnight.
Can I get a lump sum?
Yes. You can take up to 50% of the yearly maximum pension rate as advances in any 26 fortnights: $16,090.10 for a single person or $12,129.00 each for a couple, in no more than two payments.
How is the maximum loan amount worked out?
Round the security value down to the nearest $10,000, divide by 10,000 and multiply by the age component for your (or your younger partner's) age. At 70 the age component is $3,080.
Who can get it?
You or your partner must be Age Pension age, get or qualify for a pension (even at a nil rate because of income or assets), own Australian real estate with adequate insurance, and not be bankrupt.
See also Age Pension rates, the Age Pension calculator and deeming rates.
Sources: Services Australia, How much you can get, interest rate, age component, advance payments and who can get it. Checked 22 October 2026. Not financial advice; Services Australia recommends independent advice before applying.