How much house can you afford?
From net household income to an honest ceiling: at most 35% of net income for the loan rate, from that the maximum loan at current German interest levels (4 %–4.5 % for 10-year fixed, as of 21 September 2026), plus equity. The result is a range — not the maximum a bank might grant, but what you can carry.
Updated: Interest level 21 September 2026 (Interhyp/Finanzfacts)
Empty = current range 4 %–4.5 % (as of 21 Sep 2026)
Rule of thumb: at most 35%
€370,769 – €395,000
Plot and purchase costs come out of this — what remains is your build budget.
How this calculator works
- 01
A carryable rate from net income
German mortgage rule of thumb: at most 35% of net household income for interest and repayment. The share is adjustable — with high fixed costs or variable income, calculate more conservatively.
- 02
Annuity in reverse
From rate, interest and initial repayment follows the maximum loan: loan = annual rate ÷ (interest + repayment). At a €1,575 rate, 4.25% interest and 2% repayment that is about €302,000.
- 03
Interest as a range, not a promise
Without your own input BOB uses the current market range of 4 %–4.5 % (10-year fixed). Your real rate depends on loan-to-value, credit profile and fixed period — enter your bank’s offer once you have one.
- 04
Equity on top, purchase costs not forgotten
Loan plus equity is your total budget. Plot and purchase costs come out of it — what remains is your build budget. That is exactly the cap you set when starting in BOB.
A calculation aid with a sourced interest level — not investment or financing advice, and no credit commitment. BOB gives no personalised financial recommendations.
Frequently asked questions
The common rule of thumb: at most 35% of net household income for interest and repayment. With children, car loans or variable income, 30% is wiser. What decides is your honest household budget — including the running costs of the house (heating, insurance, reserves) that arrive after moving in.
According to Interhyp’s rate update and the Finanzfacts market overview (as of 21 September 2026), 10-year fixed rates ran at roughly 4 %–4.5 % depending on loan-to-value and credit profile; best effective rate 4.08%, average 4.30%. Rates move constantly — your personal rate may differ.
As a floor: the purchase costs (roughly 9–12%), which banks usually do not finance. Comfortable is 20–30% of total costs: more equity means a lower loan-to-value — and a better rate.
The percentage of the loan you repay in the first year. 2% is common; at current rates full repayment then takes over 30 years. To be debt-free faster, choose 3% — the rate rises accordingly. The calculator lets you play through both.
No. It is a sourced calculation aid for your order of magnitude — neither advice nor a commitment. Banks assess household budget, property and credit individually. Use the result to enter the bank meeting with realistic numbers, and carry the cap into BOB as your budget.