Free Mortgage Affordability Calculator
Wondering "how much house can I afford?" Our free calculator helps you determine your home buying budget using standard lending guidelines. Simply enter your income and monthly debts to see your maximum home price.
How It Works
Lenders use two key ratios to determine mortgage qualification:
- Front-end ratio (28% rule): Your total housing payment (principal, interest, taxes, insurance) should not exceed 28% of your gross monthly income.
- Back-end ratio (36% rule): Your total debt payments (housing + all other debts) should not exceed 36% of your gross monthly income.
This calculator applies the more restrictive of these two limits to give you a realistic maximum home price.
Features
- 28/36 rule-based affordability calculation
- Accounts for property tax and home insurance
- Adjustable down payment and interest rate
- Multiple loan term options (15, 20, 30 years)
Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only. Actual loan qualification depends on your credit score, lender requirements, and current market conditions. Consult a mortgage professional for personalized advice. Not financial advice.
What Lenders May Also Consider
Affordability rules are only one screening method. Lenders may also evaluate credit score, employment stability, cash reserves, property taxes, insurance, HOA fees, private mortgage insurance, loan type, interest-rate changes, and local underwriting requirements.
Quick Answer
The 28/36 rule is a rough guideline: keep housing costs near 28% of gross income and total debt payments near 36%. A lender can still approve less or more depending on the full application.
Last reviewed: July 2026.