Practical guide
Borrowing capacity: how is it calculated?
How much can you borrow? The answer rests on a few simple rules.
Updated 23 October 2026
The debt ratio
It is the ratio between your credit charges (payments + insurance) and your income. HCSF recommendations aim at a maximum of about 35 %.
Beyond the ratio
Lenders also look at remaining income, income stability, savings and deposit. A longer term raises borrowing capacity but also total cost.
Simulating
Use the homepage simulator for a loan’s monthly payment, and official simulators for borrowing capacity and debt ratio.
Official sources
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate my debt ratio?
Credit payments (insurance included) divided by income.
Can it exceed 35 %?
Some flexibility exists for lenders in certain cases.
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