Housing Budget Calculator: How Much House Can I Afford?
Enter your income, debts and down payment. The calculator finds the highest price where the mortgage passes the federal stress test and stays within the debt-service guidelines lenders use.
Calculator
Results update as you type · Nothing you enter leaves your browser
Highest price that meets the guidelines
$701,600
At the 6.12% stress-test rate
Monthly mortgage payment at your rate
$3,303.11
Mortgage $620,250
| Ratio | Yours | Guideline |
|---|---|---|
| Gross debt service (GDS) | 39.0% | 39% |
| Total debt service (TDS) | 42.4% | 44% |
Estimate only, based on the published rules listed below. Lenders, insurers and tax authorities apply their own criteria.
The limits applied
- Gross debt service (GDS): mortgage payment at the qualifying rate, property tax, heating and 50% of condo fees, at most 39% of gross income.
- Total debt service (TDS): GDS costs plus other debt payments, at most 44%.
- Qualifying rate: the higher of your rate plus 2 percentage points or 5.25%.
- Minimum down payment and mortgage insurance eligibility for the price.
A maximum isn't a target
Lenders may approve less. Leave room for maintenance, insurance, utilities and savings; CMHC's affordability benchmark is total shelter costs under 30% of income.
Sources
Rules are summarized in our own words from official publications. Check the source and talk to your lender or a licensed professional before making a decision.
Informational only, not financial advice. Data as of the release snapshot generated 2026-11-12.