About the Auction Bid Limit Calculator
Auctions are unconditional and legally binding the moment the hammer falls — there's no cooling-off period to change your mind. This calculator helps you set a firm, considered maximum bid ahead of time, so auction-day adrenaline doesn't push you past what you can actually afford.
How it works
Total available funds = pre-approved loan amount + deposit/savings. Buying costs (stamp duty, legal fees, building and pest inspections) are subtracted first, since those are on top of the purchase price. A safety buffer percentage is then held back from what's left, and the remainder is your maximum bid.
Assumptions and behaviour
- Your pre-approval amount should be a real, confirmed figure from your lender, not an estimate — pre-approval isn't a guarantee of final approval.
- The buffer is a personal safety margin — a common approach is 5–10% to cover the unexpected, but it's your call.
- Estimated buying costs should include stamp duty (see the state-specific stamp duty calculators), legal/conveyancing fees, and inspection costs.
Limitations
- Pre-approval is conditional — final loan approval depends on the specific property and your circumstances at settlement.
- Doesn't include ongoing costs after purchase (rates, insurance, moving costs, immediate repairs).
- Auctions can move fast — decide your limit calmly beforehand and don't recalculate mid-auction.
Privacy
The calculation runs entirely in your browser. Nothing is uploaded or stored.
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