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 Sep 2026), plus equity. The result is a range — not the maximum a bank might grant, but what you can carry.
Updated: Interest level 21 Sep 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.
In September 2026, 10-year fixed rates run at roughly 4 %–4.5 % depending on loan-to-value and credit profile (Interhyp rate update; Finanzfacts market overview: best effective rate 4.08%, average 4.30%, as of 21 Sep 2026). 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.