Updated regularly
Home affordability calculator for Canada
Canadian lenders qualify borrowers using two ratios: Gross Debt Service (GDS) and Total Debt Service (TDS). Your income, existing debt, property tax and heating costs decide how much mortgage you can carry.
Estima.ca applies the standard 39% GDS / 44% TDS guidelines plus the federal stress test to estimate a realistic price range.
How GDS and TDS work
GDS compares housing costs (mortgage payment, property tax, heat, half of condo fees) to your gross income.
TDS adds all other debt payments — car loans, credit cards, student loans — to the same test.
The mortgage stress test
Federally regulated lenders qualify you at the greater of your contract rate + 2% or the minimum qualifying rate. This protects borrowers if rates rise.
FAQ
- What income does the calculator use?
- Gross annual household income before tax.
- Does it apply the stress test?
- Yes — payment is checked against the greater of contract + 2% and the current minimum qualifying rate.
- Why is my affordability lower than expected?
- Existing debt, high property tax, or heating cost estimates reduce your TDS room and your maximum price.