As a planning rule, housing-finance costs in Germany and Austria should not permanently exceed about 35% of gross income. The calculator turns that rule into a maximum purchase price and shows how equity and purchase costs change the loan amount.

No. This is an affordability model. A bank offer also depends on credit score, property valuation, fixed-rate period, household budget, collateral, employment stability and lender margin.

The 35% threshold is a conservative budget guideline, not a law. It helps show whether a property is comfortable, tight or risky. Households with childcare costs, variable income or high living costs should plan with more buffer.

For Germany and Austria the calculator uses a purchase-cost assumption. Depending on the country and region, real costs can include transfer tax, notary, land register and broker fees. Always compare with the actual state or contract.

More equity reduces loan amount, monthly payment and risk. In Germany and Austria, covering at least purchase costs from equity is often a useful starting point. In Switzerland, banks commonly require at least 20% equity, with restrictions on pension-fund money.

Swiss affordability checks often use a higher imputed interest rate to stress-test the mortgage, rather than only the current market rate. The calculator combines this with maintenance and amortization of the second mortgage.

A high ratio means the financing is tight. Possible levers are a lower purchase price, more equity, a longer saving phase, a second income, lower initial repayment, better terms or a different property.

Use current rates to understand the real payment, then test a higher safety rate to see whether the plan survives rate changes. In Switzerland this safety logic is already built into Tragbarkeit.