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The QFINHUB mortgage affordability calculator answers one question: based on my income, debts, and down payment, what monthly payment can I actually qualify for? I built it to follow the 28/36 rule that most U.S. lenders still use, then layer in the 2026 conforming loan limits from the FHFA.
A mortgage affordability calculator estimates the maximum home loan a borrower can qualify for based on income, existing debts, down payment, and prevailing interest rates, using the lender's debt-to-income ratio guidelines.
The 28/36 rule is the most common DTI guideline for conforming loans in 2026.
The 2026 conforming loan limit is $832,750 in most counties, with high-cost areas reaching $1,249,500.
FHA loans allow DTIs up to 43% with compensating factors like a high credit score.
A 1% lower interest rate on a $300,000 loan saves roughly $175/month or $63,000 over 30 years.
Qualifying Payment = min(28% × Gross Monthly Income - Other Debts, 36% × Gross Monthly Income - Total Debts)
The front-end ratio (28%) caps your housing payment at 28% of gross income. The back-end ratio (36%) caps all debt payments including housing at 36%. Lenders use whichever produces the smaller number.
I went through this exercise in early 2026 myself. With $145,000 household income, $480 in monthly student loan payments, and 20% down on a $450,000 home, we qualified for roughly $3,150/month including taxes and insurance. The 2026 conforming loan limit was raised to $832,750 for most counties per FHFA (up from $766,550 in 2025). In high-cost areas like San Francisco, the limit hit $1,249,500.
You earn $90,000 a year, carry $350/month in car and student loan payments, and saved $45,000 for a down payment on a $315,000 home. Front-end ratio gives you a max housing payment of $2,100. Back-end ratio caps you at $2,350 minus your $350 debts, so $2,000. The lender uses $2,000. With property taxes around 1.2% annually and insurance at $1,400/year, your actual mortgage principal + interest budget is about $1,560/month, which supports roughly a $295,000 loan at 6.8% APR in mid-2026. Run the math twice. Run it three times. Then talk to a lender.
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These authoritative sources inform our calculator methodology and ensure accuracy.
Written by Qasem Mohammed
Financial tools developer and founder of QFINHUB. All calculators are built with industry-standard formulas and reviewed for accuracy. Content is for educational purposes only — always consult a qualified financial professional for decisions about your specific situation.
Last updated: July 16, 2026 ·About QFINHUB · Editorial Policy
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Last reviewed by Qasem Mohammed — July 16, 2026
AI & Software Engineer, Founder & Lead Developer at QFINHUB · Editorial Policy
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Affordable Home Price
$392,230.99
Max Loan Amount
$313,784.79
Estimated Monthly Payment
$1,983.33
28% front-end / 36% back-end ratio
Down Payment Needed
$78,446.20
20.00% down
Front-End DTI
+0.28%
Max 28% of income
Back-End DTI
+0.35%
Max 36% of income