# Affordability Calculator: How Much Home Can I Afford?

> How much home your income actually buys under Canadian GDS/TDS rules, including the down-payment floor and default-insurance premium.

Category: Calculator
Last verified: 2026-08-02
Source: https://ratellow.com/mortgages/affordability-calculator

## TL;DR
- Minimum down payment is tiered: 5% of the first $500,000, 10% of $500,000–$1,500,000, and 20% of the entire price above $1,500,000.
- Federally regulated lenders qualify you at the MQR — greater of 5.25% or contract + 2% — while you pay the contract rate.
- GDS 39% / TDS 44% at the qualifying rate set the maximum mortgage. Default-insurance premiums apply below 20% down.