How the calculator works
It finds the highest price where:
- Your income passes the stress test: at the qualifying rate, housing costs are no more than 39% of your gross income (GDS) and all your debts no more than 44% (TDS).
- Your savings cover the minimum down payment.
The CMHC premium is included in the mortgage when you put down less than 20%. First-time buyers can choose a 30-year amortization on an insured mortgage, which adds 0.20% to the premium.
Ways to afford more
- Pay down other debts: they count against your TDS.
- Save 20% down: you avoid CMHC insurance.
- Consider a 30-year amortization if you’re a first-time buyer: lower payments mean you qualify for more, though you pay more interest.
See the payments on any home in our mortgage calculator.