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Glossary · Financial Portfolio

What is home equity?

Simple home equity is a property's estimated value minus the debt associated with it.

Plain English. Australian context.

Home equity

Know what the term means, what it does not mean and where to go next.

Meaning & context

What it means for your records.

Plain-English information to help you organise your financial picture.

Financial Portfolio editorial team
Australian record-keeping context
Updated 7 October 2026

Put it into context

If a home is estimated at A$800,000 and the related loan balance is A$500,000, simple gross equity is A$300,000. That does not mean A$300,000 is available to spend, borrow or receive after a sale. Lenders use their own policies and valuations; sale costs, tax and other secured debts may matter. ASIC Moneysmart explains borrowing against home equity. Keep a dated property estimate and loan statement with the calculation. For a jointly owned property, decide whether you are considering the whole property or an attributable share.

How do I calculate home equity?

Subtract the related outstanding mortgage from the estimated property value, then check the assumptions and other secured debts.

Is home equity the same as net worth?

No. Home equity concerns one property; net worth covers all included assets less all included liabilities.

Start with what you have

Bring your financial life into focus.

You do not need every detail on day one. Start with the records that matter most, then build a clearer picture at your own pace.