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Mortgage Affordability Calculator โ€” Canada & USA (2026)

Educational estimates for Canada and the US; not a mortgage pre-approval or lender decision.

Canada & US Stress test included Free

Amortization

Maximum home price

$319,661

Based on your income of $85,000

Maximum mortgage$279,661
CMHC premium$8,669
Total mortgage (with CMHC)$288,330
Monthly payment (est.)$1,771
Stress test rate7.50%
Cash needed to close$53,464
GDS ratio32.8% / 39%
TDS ratio39.8% / 44%
Land transfer tax (est.)$4,795

Ratios are within the illustrated GDS/TDS limits and down payment meets the minimum for this max price.

Estimate how much home you might afford using simplified 2026-style rules: Canada (GDS/TDS, stress test, CMHC tiers) and the United States (28/43 DTI, conforming limit, PMI). This is an educational illustration only โ€” not a mortgage pre-approval or lender decision.

How this calculator works

The Canada tab uses a stress-tested mortgage payment to derive a maximum loan from GDS (39%) and TDS (44%) allowances, subtracting fixed monthly property tax and heat placeholders. CMHC-style premiums apply when equity is under 20%. The USA tab applies front-end (28%) and back-end (43%) limits with fixed monthly tax and insurance placeholders and PMI when down payment is under 20%.

Educational estimates only. Not financial, legal, or lending advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much mortgage can I afford in Canada in 2026?

In Canada, lenders use GDS and TDS ratios to determine affordability. Your GDS ratio (mortgage, taxes, heat) must not exceed 39% of gross income, and your TDS ratio (all debts) must not exceed 44%. All mortgages are also subject to the stress test at the higher of your contract rate plus 2% or 5.25%.

What is the mortgage stress test in Canada for 2026?

The Canadian mortgage stress test requires you to qualify at the higher of your contract rate plus 2% or 5.25%, whichever is greater. This ensures you can still afford payments if rates rise.

How much down payment do I need in Canada?

In Canada, the minimum down payment is 5% for homes under $500,000. For homes between $500,000 and $999,999, it is 5% on the first $500,000 and 10% on the remainder. Homes over $1 million require a 20% down payment.

How much house can I afford in the USA?

US lenders use the 28/43 rule: your monthly housing costs should not exceed 28% of gross income, and total debt payments should not exceed 43%. With a $100,000 annual income and no other debts, you may qualify for a home around $400,000โ€“$450,000 depending on rates and down payment.

What is CMHC mortgage insurance?

CMHC insurance is required for Canadian mortgages with less than 20% down payment. The premium ranges from 2.80% to 4.00% of the mortgage amount depending on your down payment percentage. It is added to your mortgage and paid over the amortization period.

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