Mortgage Affordability Calculator
Calculate how much home you can afford in Canada based on your gross income, debts, and down payment amount.
Also available by province:
Mortgage Affordability Calculator
Includes stress test at 6.50%
Maximum Home Price
$450,650
Maximum Mortgage
$390,650
Est. Monthly Payment
$2,229/mo
* Qualifying at stress test rate of 6.50% (contract rate + 2%). Results are estimates only.
How Lenders Determine Your Maximum Mortgage
Canadian lenders use two ratios to assess affordability: Gross Debt Service (GDS) and Total Debt Service (TDS). GDS must be ≤ 39% and TDS must be ≤ 44% for insured mortgages.
| Ratio | What It Includes | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| GDS | Mortgage payment + property tax + heat + 50% condo fees | 39% |
| TDS | GDS + all other debt payments (car, credit cards, etc.) | 44% |
The Mortgage Stress Test
Since January 2022, all borrowers must qualify at the higher of: (a) your contract rate + 2%, or (b) 5.25%. This is the "stress test." It ensures you can still afford payments if rates rise. For example, if your contract rate is 4.5%, you must qualify at 6.5%.
Frequently Asked Questions
What income do I need for a $500,000 mortgage?
At a 5% rate with 25-year amortization, a $500,000 mortgage has a monthly payment of ~$2,910. To pass the stress test (qualifying at ~7%), you need ~$110,000 gross annual household income (assuming minimal other debts).
What is the GDS ratio?
The Gross Debt Service (GDS) ratio is your monthly housing costs (mortgage payment + property tax + heat) divided by gross monthly income. Lenders require GDS ≤ 39%.
Does the affordability calculator include the stress test?
Yes. Our calculator applies the mortgage stress test (contract rate + 2% or 5.25%, whichever is higher) to determine your maximum qualifying mortgage.
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