Free home affordability estimator

How much house can I afford?

Estimate a planning price from gross income, recurring debts, down payment, rate, taxes, insurance, and HOA fees. The result is a budget estimate—not preapproval.

Income, debts, and loan assumptions

Use gross income before taxes. For debts, enter required monthly payments—not account balances.

Gross monthly incomeIncome before taxes and deductions$/ moCar loan payments$/ moCredit card minimums$/ moStudent loans and other debts$/ mo

Down payment

Down payment percentage$32,654 at the estimated price%

Interest rateExample rate; use the note rate, not APR.%Loan termFixed-rate repayment period

Advanced costs and planning ratios

Local taxes, insurance, HOA fees, mortgage insurance, and the selected planning ratios can materially change the result.

Property tax rateRequired for a complete estimate—enter the property's combined local rate.% / yrHomeowners insurance$/ yrHOA / condo fees$/ moMortgage insurance estimateApplied only above 80% LTV; actual premiums vary% / yrHousing budget ratioDefault: 28% of gross income%Total debt planning ratioDefault: 36% including housing%

Property taxes are not included yet. Open advanced costs and enter the property’s combined local tax rate for a complete estimate.

Estimated affordable home price

$326,538

Existing monthly debts make the 36% total-debt setting the limiting factor.

Down payment$32,654

Estimated loan amount$293,884

Monthly housing budget$2,130

Estimated housing payment$2,130

Principal & interest$1,857.55

Property taxes$0.00

Homeowners insurance$150.00

Mortgage insurance$122.45

HOA / condo fees$0.00

Estimated total DTI36.0%

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Transparent methodology

How the home affordability estimate works

The calculator first finds the lower of two monthly limits: the selected housing percentage of gross income, or the selected total-debt percentage minus existing required debt payments. It then solves for the highest home price whose estimated principal, interest, taxes, homeowners insurance, mortgage insurance, and HOA fees fit within that monthly amount.

The 28% housing and 36% total-debt defaults are conservative planning guidelines, not underwriting rules. The CFPB notes that DTI limits differ by lender and loan product. Actual qualification also depends on documented income, assets, credit, property details, loan program, and other underwriting factors.

Methodology reviewed August 2026.

Frequently asked questions

What income should I enter?

Enter total gross monthly income before taxes and payroll deductions. A lender will determine which income can be documented and used for qualification.

Which debts should I include?

Enter required monthly payments for car loans, credit cards, student loans, and other recurring debts. Use monthly payments rather than outstanding balances.

Does this result mean I am preapproved?

No. The result is a planning estimate only. A preapproval requires a lender review and does not guarantee final approval or financing.

Important estimate disclosure

This calculator is for educational and planning purposes only. Results do not indicate approval or financing and are not financial advice, a commitment to lend, or a guarantee of rates, costs, or terms. Your actual eligibility and payment may differ materially.

Sources: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau DTI guidance and Fannie Mae affordability guidance.