Buyer Tools
Mortgage Affordability Calculator Vancouver BC
Find out exactly how much home you qualify for under the 2026 federal B-20 stress test, with proper GDS and TDS limits used by every BC lender.
This mortgage affordability calculator for Vancouver BC uses the official OSFI B-20 stress test rules: lenders must qualify you at the higher of your contract rate plus 2.0%, or 5.25%. We then apply the standard GDS 39% / TDS 44% debt-service ratios used across the Lower Mainland — Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, Langley and Richmond.
Enter your gross household income, debts, and the rate your broker is quoting. We calculate the maximum mortgage and home price you can realistically qualify for in 2026.
How the Vancouver BC Mortgage Affordability Calculator Works
Buying a home in Vancouver, Burnaby, North Vancouver or Richmond means navigating Canada's strictest mortgage qualification rules. Every federally regulated lender — every Big-6 bank, plus most credit unions — must apply the OSFI B-20 stress test before approving your loan.
The B-20 Stress Test (Federal Rule)
You must prove you can afford payments at the qualifying rate, defined as the higher of:
- Your contract mortgage rate plus 2.0 percentage points, or
- The Bank of Canada minimum 5.25% floor.
GDS and TDS Ratios
Gross Debt Service (GDS): mortgage P&I + property tax + heat + 50% of strata, divided by gross monthly income. Must be ≤ 39%.
Total Debt Service (TDS): GDS components plus all other monthly debt obligations. Must be ≤ 44%.
Why Vancouver Buyers Get Squeezed
Greater Vancouver property values often push buyers up against the TDS ceiling first. A $1.2M home with $5,500 monthly carrying costs requires roughly $14,000 monthly gross income (~$168K/year) just to clear TDS — assuming no other debts.
FAQ
How much income do I need to buy a $1M home in Vancouver?
With 20% down, a $800K mortgage at a 4.79% contract rate (6.79% qualifying), and modest property tax/utility/strata costs, you generally need roughly $165,000–$185,000 in gross household income to satisfy GDS and TDS limits.
Does the stress test apply to credit unions?
Provincially regulated credit unions (most BC credit unions) are not bound by OSFI but voluntarily apply similar rules. Some are slightly more flexible — talk to your broker.
What about 30-year amortizations?
Insured 30-year amortizations were extended in 2024 to first-time buyers and buyers of newly built homes. Switch the dropdown to 30 years to see how it improves affordability.
⚠️ Legal Disclaimer
This mortgage affordability calculator is provided for general informational and estimation purposes only. Mortgage qualification rules, OSFI B-20 stress test parameters, GDS/TDS thresholds, insured amortization rules, and federal lending policies change frequently and vary by lender. The results shown are illustrative estimates only and are not a mortgage pre-approval, mortgage commitment, or financial advice. Actual qualification depends on your full credit profile, employment history, debt servicing, the appraised property value, and the specific lender's underwriting policies. Always consult a licensed mortgage broker or your bank before making any home-purchase decision. Dan Marusin PREC, Renanza Realty, and danmarusin.com assume no liability for any errors, omissions, or financial decisions made on the basis of this calculator's output.