Tools & Resources

How Much House Can I Afford While Still Tithing?

Most affordability calculators show you the maximum a bank will lend you. This one shows how much house you can afford after giving and saving first — the two things that shouldn't be negotiable.

Your Income

$
Before tax. Include all household income.

Your Non-Negotiables

These come out before housing. They're set commitments — not things you want to "try" to keep once the mortgage is approved.

% of gross
10% is the traditional tithe. Adjust to your current commitment.
% of gross
Include RRSP, TFSA, FHSA, emergency fund contributions. 10% is a solid starting target.

Housing Details

%
years
$
$
Car payments, student loans, lines of credit. Leave blank if none.

Your Affordability

Monthly Take-Home Allocation
Estimated monthly take-home $0
Monthly tithe $0
Monthly savings $0
Remaining for housing & living $0
Maximum monthly housing cost $0
Maximum mortgage (25yr, 5.5%) $0
Maximum home price (with down payment) $0

GDS & TDS Ratios

GDS (Gross Debt Service): Your housing costs should not exceed 32% of gross monthly income. Housing costs = mortgage P&I + property tax + heating + 50% of condo fees.

TDS (Total Debt Service): All debt payments (including housing) should not exceed 44% of gross monthly income. Canadian lenders use these ratios for mortgage qualification.

The right order

Most calculators show you what you can borrow. This tool shows what you can afford without sacrificing your giving and savings. Those two lines should be set before you talk to a lender — not after.

Stress Test

Canadian banks qualify mortgages at the stress test rate: the greater of 5.25% or your contract rate + 2%. If your rate is 5.5%, your qualifying rate is 7.5%. This tool uses your actual rate for monthly payment estimates — run the numbers at rate +2% to simulate the stress test.