{"id":48681,"date":"2026-10-27T07:39:01","date_gmt":"2026-10-27T06:39:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.schwiizerfranke.com\/?p=48681"},"modified":"2026-10-27T07:39:01","modified_gmt":"2026-10-27T06:39:01","slug":"tragbarkeitsrechner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.schwiizerfranke.com\/en\/tragbarkeitsrechner","title":{"rendered":"Mortgage Affordability Calculator for Switzerland: This is how much you can afford to spend on a home"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ultimately, it\u2019s the bank that decides whether you can afford to buy your own home. And it doesn\u2019t base its calculations on today\u2019s interest rate, but on around 5 per cent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Enter the purchase price, your own funds and your income below. You\u2019ll see straight away whether it\u2019s enough, what factors are involved, and how much your home will cost you each month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"sf-trag-tool\" style=\"min-height:2010px;\">\n  <noscript>\n    <div style=\"font:400 14px\/1.7 Montserrat,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;color:#556279;padding:20px 0;\">\n      <p style=\"margin:0 0 8px;\"><strong style=\"color:#0f2440;\">This is how the affordability calculator works:<\/strong> The bank estimates an imputed interest rate of 4.5 to 5 %, ancillary costs of 0.7 to 1 % of the purchase price, and the repayment of the second mortgage to two-thirds within 15 years. These housing costs must not exceed one-third of gross income. After deducting the incidental purchase costs, at least 20 % of the purchase price must remain as own funds, of which 10 % must not come from the pension fund.<\/p>\n      <p style=\"margin:0 0 8px;\">Example in the canton of Zurich: purchase price CHF 900,000, own funds CHF 200,000, gross income CHF 180,000. Depending on the assessment, the debt-to-income ratio ranges from 25 to 28 %, whilst the loan-to-value ratio is 78.1 %. This is affordable, even under strict assessment criteria, up to a purchase price of around CHF 980,000.<\/p>\n      <p style=\"margin:0 0 8px;\">Model calculation based on banking practice; does not constitute a commitment to provide financing. As at October 2026.<\/p>\n      <p style=\"margin:0;\">The interactive calculator requires JavaScript: <a href=\"https:\/\/tools.schwiizerfranke.com\/tragbarkeitsrechner\/\" style=\"color:#1e5a8a;\">Open the affordability calculator<\/a>.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/noscript>\n<\/div>\n<script src=\"https:\/\/tools.schwiizerfranke.com\/tragbarkeitsrechner\/embed.js?v=1\" defer><\/script>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group sf-keypoints is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"sf-keypoints__t wp-block-paragraph\">Key points at a glance<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Two exams:<\/strong> Housing costs, including imputed interest, should not exceed around one-third of your gross income. And, once you\u2019ve taken account of the ancillary costs of purchase, you\u2019ll usually need 20 per cent of your own funds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The bank is forecasting 5 per cent:<\/strong> In this example, that amounts to around CHF 4,250 per month. With a mortgage interest rate of 1.9 per cent, you actually pay around CHF 2,440.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Additional purchase costs include:<\/strong> They are deducted from your own funds. With exactly 20 per cent on paper, it is therefore often just not quite enough.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rule of thumb:<\/strong> Provided you have sufficient savings, the maximum purchase price \u2013 subject to rigorous assessment \u2013 is around 5\u00bd times your gross income.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to read the result<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The final verdict is at the top of the list: affordable, just about affordable or unaffordable. The assessment is based on three simplified criteria: strict, moderate and lenient. These differ in terms of the imputed interest rate and ancillary costs. \u2018Just about\u2019 means: it is sufficient under the lenient criteria, but not under the strict criteria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These include three key figures:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Load:<\/strong> what proportion of your gross income, as shown on your bank statement, goes towards housing. The criteria range from lenient to strict. The limit is 33 per cent.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Loan-to-value ratio:<\/strong> what percentage of the purchase price the mortgage represents. In a standard home loan, this is a maximum of 80 per cent.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Bottleneck:<\/strong> What\u2019s holding you back? Income, equity, both, or neither. If your equity isn\u2019t sufficient, the result is \u00abunsustainable\u00bb, even if the financial burden is low.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The \u00abWhy\u00bb card explains the assessment in a single sentence. If this is not sufficient, the text below specifies what needs to change: more own funds, a higher income or a lower purchase price, each given as a figure. The affordability calculator takes into account that having more own funds also reduces the mortgage amount and, consequently, the interest rate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you haven\u2019t yet got a property in mind, click on \u00abWhat can we afford?\u00bb at the top. The affordability calculator will then work out the maximum purchase price and show you how much more you can afford to pay if you have an additional CHF 10,000 in income or savings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Calculating a mortgage: How the bank works it out<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Affordability is a stress test. The bank doesn\u2019t ask how much the house costs you today. It asks whether you\u2019ll still be able to afford it even if interest rates rise significantly. That\u2019s why it uses a notional interest rate that is well above today\u2019s mortgage rate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The formula for financial viability comprises three cost components:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Interest rate:<\/strong> Mortgage \u00d7 imputed interest rate (usually 5 per cent; 4.5 or 4.75 per cent at some banks)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Service charges and maintenance:<\/strong> Purchase price \u00d7 0.7 to 1 per cent<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Payback period:<\/strong> The second mortgage \u2013 that is, the portion covering two-thirds of the property\u2019s value \u2013 must be paid off within 15 years, or by the time of retirement at the latest. The bank factors the annual repayment amount into the calculation. ZKB, for example, requires the mortgage to be repaid to 65 per cent rather than two-thirds. This increases the annual instalment slightly.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Divide that total by your gross income. If the result is no more than one third, the mortgage is affordable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The calculation is based on the value the bank places on the property \u2013 the mortgageable value. This is usually the same as the purchase price. If the bank values the property at a lower figure, you will need more of your own funds. The calculator is based on the purchase price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Example:<\/strong> Purchase price CHF 900,000, own funds CHF 200,000, income CHF 180,000, Canton of Zurich, strict assessment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>Step<\/th><th>Calculation<\/th><th>Amount per year<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Incidental purchase costs<\/td><td>around 0.4 % in Zurich<\/td><td>CHF 3,200 (one-off payment)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Mortgage<\/td><td>900,000 \u2212 (200,000 \u2212 3,200)<\/td><td>CHF 703,200<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Interest<\/td><td>703,200 \u00d7 5 %<\/td><td>CHF 35,160<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Service charges<\/td><td>900,000 \u00d7 1 %<\/td><td>CHF 9'000<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Payback period<\/td><td>(703,200 \u2212 600,000) \u00f7 15<\/td><td>CHF 6,880<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Total<\/strong><\/td><td><\/td><td><strong>CHF 51,040<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Cost-to-income<\/strong><\/td><td>51,040 \u00f7 180,000<\/td><td><strong>28.4 %<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">28.4 per cent is below the 33 per cent threshold. This is acceptable, even under strict assessment criteria. Under more lenient assessment criteria (4.5 per cent interest, 0.7 per cent ancillary costs), the figure would be 24.9 per cent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How much income and capital do you have?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you have sufficient savings, the maximum purchase price \u2013 subject to strict scrutiny \u2013 is around 5\u00bd times your gross income. With an income of CHF 180,000, that amounts to around CHF 1,000,000; with a less stringent assessment, it is around CHF 1,100,000. This rule of thumb only applies if your own funds are not the limiting factor. For many buyers, they are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Calculated in reverse, rounded off and for the canton of Zurich:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>Objective<\/th><th>Own funds<\/th><th>Income strictly<\/th><th>Moderate income<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>House for CHF 1 million.<\/td><td>CHF 204,000<\/td><td>CHF 177,000<\/td><td>CHF 156,000<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Mortgage of CHF 1 million.<\/td><td>CHF 254,000<\/td><td>CHF 221,000<\/td><td>CHF 195,000<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For a mortgage of CHF 1 million with an 80 per cent loan-to-value ratio, the house costs CHF 1.25 million. \u2018Income\u2019 refers to gross income. The own funds include the incidental purchase costs. In cantons with high transfer tax, you will need more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">33 per cent gross or 35 per cent net?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As a rule of thumb, calculated housing costs should amount to around a third of your income. Many banks base their calculations on 33 per cent of the <strong>Gross income<\/strong>. Others estimate 35 per cent of the <strong>Net income<\/strong>, such as ZKB, Migros Bank and Helvetia. And there are different tiers: Schwyzer Kantonalbank allows up to 40 per cent net income from CHF 150,000 upwards, whilst Raiffeisen allows 38 per cent after retirement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The percentage figure alone therefore tells us little. What matters is what it relates to. After AHV, pension fund contributions and unemployment insurance, net income is usually 12 to 15 per cent lower than gross income. A net income of 35 per cent therefore equates to around 30 per cent gross \u2013 so it is not particularly generous. Whether a bank ultimately takes a stricter or more lenient approach also depends on the interest rate and ancillary costs it factors in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The affordability calculator uses a gross rate of 33 per cent for all three assessments. This is a common rule and makes the three assessments directly comparable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Swiss banks calculate affordability<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Each bank sets its own criteria. The table shows publicly communicated guidelines, not a guarantee for your specific case. Depending on the property, your income and your circumstances, a bank may apply different calculations. \u00abInterest\u00bb refers to the imputed interest rate; \u00abancillary costs\u00bb are calculated annually as a percentage of the purchase price; the threshold relates to gross or net income. If gross or net income is not specified, the bank does not state the basis for its calculation. As at October 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>Bank<\/th><th>Interest<\/th><th>Service charges<\/th><th>Border<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>AEK Bank<\/td><td>4.5 %<\/td><td>0.7 %<\/td><td>33 % gross<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Zimmerberg Bank<\/td><td>4.5 %<\/td><td>1 %<\/td><td>N\/A.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.migrosbank.ch\/dam\/jcr:78faa473-fa6b-4e45-bc8a-8b1803939990\/unsere-hypotheken.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Migros Bank<\/a><\/td><td>4.75 %<\/td><td>0.8 %<\/td><td>35 % net<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helvetia.com\/ch\/web\/de\/privatkunden\/ratgeber\/wohnen-freizeit\/tragbarkeit.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Helvetia<\/a><\/td><td>5 %<\/td><td>0.75 %<\/td><td>35 % net<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.postfinance.ch\/de\/blog\/geld-einfach-erklaert\/tragbarkeit.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">PostFinance<\/a><\/td><td>5 %<\/td><td>1 %<\/td><td>33 % gross<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.raiffeisen.ch\/rch\/de\/wissen\/vorsorgen\/tragbarkeit-im-alter\/hypothek.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Raiffeisen<\/a><\/td><td>5 %<\/td><td>N\/A.<\/td><td>33 %, after retirement 38 %<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ubs.com\/ch\/de\/services\/guide\/mortgages-and-financing\/articles\/affordability.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">UBS<\/a><\/td><td>4.5 or 5 %<\/td><td>1 %<\/td><td>33 %<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.szkb.ch\/private\/finanzieren\/rund-ums-eigenheim\/tragbarkeit-berechnen\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Schwyz Catholic Church<\/a><\/td><td>5 %<\/td><td>0.7 %<\/td><td>35 % net, from an income of CHF 150,000 up to 40 %<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zkb.ch\/de\/private\/hypotheken-immobilien\/ratgeber\/immobilien-finanzieren.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ZKB<\/a><\/td><td>5 %<\/td><td>0.7 to 1 %<\/td><td>35 % net<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The affordability calculator summarises this in three simplified checks: <strong>strict<\/strong> (5 per cent interest, 1 per cent ancillary costs), <strong>medium<\/strong> (4.75 per cent, 0.8 per cent) and <strong>mild<\/strong> (4.5 per cent, 0.7 per cent), all at 33 per cent gross. The range shows just how much the cost assumptions can affect the outcome. It does not indicate how a particular bank will decide. If you are close to the threshold, it is worth obtaining several quotes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Last exam: 10 October 2026. Next exam: January 2027.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bank statement versus actual housing costs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The bank expects interest rates to be around 5 per cent. Your actual mortgage rate is usually significantly lower these days. This isn\u2019t a mistake on the bank\u2019s part, but rather a deliberate strategy: the aim is to ensure that you can still afford your mortgage even if interest rates rise again. You can see just how much mortgage rates fluctuate by looking at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.schwiizerfranke.com\/en\/hypothekarzinsen-historisch\/\">Low interest rates since 1990<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For the \u00abYou pay today\u00bb option, the affordability calculator uses 1.9 per cent as the starting value. This is the average over the last ten years: the SNB records every month the interest rate at which banks grant new 10-year fixed-rate mortgages. From September 2016 to August 2026, this figure averaged 1.88 per cent, rising to 2.03 per cent in August 2026. This is not a quote. If you have a quote, move the slider to your interest rate. The calculator estimates maintenance costs at 1 per cent of the purchase price per year. The interest rate can be calculated precisely, whilst maintenance costs can only be estimated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the example above, the bank with strict assessment criteria, \u00abYou pay today\u00bb, with 1.9 per cent interest and 1 per cent maintenance:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th><\/th><th>Bank calculates<\/th><th>You\u2019ll pay today<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>per month<\/td><td>around CHF 4,250<\/td><td>around CHF 2,440<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A difference of around CHF 1,800 per month. Both amounts include around CHF 570 towards the capital repayment. You have to pay this every month, just like the interest. However, the money isn\u2019t lost: it reduces your debt. If you make indirect repayments via Pillar 3a, your mortgage balance only decreases when the funds are paid out; until then, your Pillar 3a balance continues to grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From 1 January 2029, the imputed rental value will be abolished. At the same time, tax deductions for mortgage interest and maintenance costs on owner-occupied homes will, in principle, be abolished, with a temporary deduction available for first-time buyers. This will not affect the banks\u2019 affordability calculations, as these are calculated on a pre-tax basis. Whether it is worth making additional repayments will depend on your overall circumstances. Find out more at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.schwiizerfranke.com\/en\/eigenheim-finanzieren\/\">direct or indirect amortisation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Own funds and incidental purchase costs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With a standard mortgage, the bank will usually lend you a maximum of 80 per cent of the mortgageable value. You have to provide the rest yourself. Of this 20 per cent, at least 10 per cent must <strong>hard capital<\/strong> These include: savings, securities, Pillar 3a, gifts or an advance on an inheritance. Money from a pension fund does not count towards this. This is set out in the guidelines of the Swiss Bankers Association (SBVg).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What many people overlook is that you also pay the ancillary purchase costs out of your own funds: transfer tax, notary fees, land registry fees and the mortgage deed. Whatever is left over after that must cover the 20 per cent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Example: Purchase price CHF 900,000, own funds CHF 180,000, Canton of Zurich. The ancillary purchase costs amount to around CHF 3,200. This leaves CHF 176,800, or 19.6 per cent. The loan-to-value ratio rises to 80.4 per cent. You are around CHF 3,200 short of the 80 per cent financing threshold, even though, on paper, you have exactly 20 per cent. With around CHF 183,000 in own funds, it is sufficient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group sf-anchor is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You pay the additional purchase costs out of your own funds. On paper, 20 per cent is therefore often not enough.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In cantons with high property transfer tax, the effect is greater. With CHF 200,000 of own funds and a purchase price of CHF 900,000, this is sufficient in Zurich (loan-to-value ratio of 78.1 per cent). In Vaud, ancillary purchase costs amount to around CHF 38,000, and the loan-to-value ratio rises to 82.0 per cent. In Fribourg, Geneva, Graub\u00fcnden, Jura, Neuch\u00e2tel and Valais, too, the same calculation puts the ratio above 80 per cent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The affordability calculator displays the additional purchase costs for your canton directly below the \u00abown funds\u00bb field. You can change the canton under \u2018Calculate in more detail\u2019. The rates are indicative figures for owner-occupied property; notary and land registry fees are partly estimated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pension fund and 3a: Early withdrawal or pledging<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pillar 3a:<\/strong> You may withdraw funds from Pillar 3a to purchase a home you will live in yourself. These funds count as hard equity. The following shows which 3a solution is right for you: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.schwiizerfranke.com\/en\/saeule-3a-vergleich\/\">3a comparison<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pension fund, early withdrawal:<\/strong> You can also withdraw money from your pension fund to buy a home. A minimum of CHF 20,000, but no more than once every five years. From the age of 50, the amount is capped. The early withdrawal counts as equity, but not towards the strict 10 per cent requirement. It is taxed separately; you can see how much at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.schwiizerfranke.com\/en\/kapitalbezug-pensionskasse-steuern\/\">Taxes on capital withdrawals in your canton<\/a>. And it will reduce your future benefits if you don\u2019t pay the money back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pension fund, pledging:<\/strong> In this case, the money remains in the pension fund. It serves as additional security for the bank. This may, under certain circumstances, make it possible to secure a larger mortgage. The balance is not withdrawn; however, if the collateral is realised, pension benefits may be lost. Furthermore, a larger mortgage places a greater strain on affordability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the calculator, enter the pension fund portion under \u00abEnter the amount from the pension fund\u00bb. It will then check whether the strict 10 per cent threshold is still met. It does not take the pledge into account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What income does the bank take into account?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Two incomes:<\/strong> If you\u2019re buying as a couple and the mortgage agreement is in both your names, the bank will usually take both your salaries into account. The income of the people who are liable for the mortgage is the decisive factor. Enter your combined gross income into the calculator, including your 13th-month salary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Bonus<\/strong> Many banks do not take this into account, or only partially, because it is not guaranteed. You should therefore base your calculations on your fixed salary. If you receive a bonus on a regular basis, ask your bank how it is taken into account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Leasing and loans<\/strong> are included in the costs. A car lease of CHF 500 a month amounts to CHF 6,000 a year. In this example, this increases the burden from 28.4 to 31.7 per cent. You can enter your commitments under \u2019Calculate in more detail\u00ab.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Wearability in old age and when the garment is lengthened<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Buying at 50 or later:<\/strong> The second mortgage must be paid off by the time you retire. The older you are when you buy, the fewer years you have to pay it off and the higher the annual repayment will be. In the example, the burden rises from 28.4 to 30.3 per cent under strict assessment if the oldest person is 55: the second mortgage must then be paid off in 10 years instead of 15.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After retirement, income tends to fall, often to between 60 and 70 per cent of your final salary. For this reason, banks also check from around the age of 50 whether the mortgage is still affordable on your pension, and may then require a lower loan-to-value ratio. The affordability calculator shortens the repayment period when you enter your year of birth. It does not check affordability against your future pension. You should work this out with your bank or a pension adviser.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Extending a mortgage:<\/strong> If your fixed-rate mortgage is coming to an end, your current bank will decide whether to renew it. They know you and the property, and may reach a different decision than they would for a new mortgage. The fact that your ability to service the mortgage may have deteriorated in the meantime \u2013 for example, following retirement or a reduction in working hours \u2013 does not automatically rule out a renewal. However, no one can guarantee this. If you switch banks, the new one will assess your situation from scratch. You should therefore review your situation a few months before the expiry date, rather than waiting until the final few weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Not viable: What now?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the affordability calculator displays \u00abnot affordable\u00bb, the levers with amounts will appear below it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>More own funds.<\/strong> This is particularly helpful when your own funds are the limiting factor. Every additional franc also reduces the mortgage and, consequently, the interest charged on your bank account.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>More income.<\/strong> A second person, a heavier workload, a pay rise. This helps most of all when income is the limiting factor.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>A lower purchase price.<\/strong> The calculator shows how far you can go with a strict or a lenient assessment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re just above the threshold, a bank with different criteria could make all the difference. If you\u2019re well above it, no other offer will help either.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And sometimes the most honest answer is: don\u2019t buy just yet. Renting isn\u2019t a failure. The calculator works out whether buying is even worth it for you, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.schwiizerfranke.com\/en\/mieten-oder-kaufen\/\">Rent-or-Buy Calculator<\/a>. And <a href=\"https:\/\/www.schwiizerfranke.com\/en\/miete-gehalt-faustformel\/\">how much rent is appropriate for your salary<\/a>, as shown by the rule of thumb for rent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion: Can you afford it?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether you can afford to buy your own home depends on two criteria: your housing costs, including imputed interest, must not exceed around one third of your income, and, after taking into account the ancillary costs of the purchase, you should generally have 20 per cent of your own funds left over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This applies to anyone looking to buy their own home to live in. The main reason to use the affordability calculator rather than a rule of thumb is that additional purchase costs and the bank\u2019s assumptions often shift the result by precisely those few per cent that make all the difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The exception: Banks apply different calculations for holiday homes and investment properties and usually require a higher level of own funds. The calculator is not designed for this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The next step: If it\u2019s feasible, check with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.schwiizerfranke.com\/en\/notgroschen-berechnen\/\">Emergency Fund Calculator<\/a>, whether you\u2019ll still have any money left over after the purchase. And before you sign, bear in mind the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.schwiizerfranke.com\/en\/mieten-oder-kaufen\/\">Rent-or-Buy Calculator<\/a> to see whether the purchase is worthwhile in the long term. You can find further tools in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.schwiizerfranke.com\/en\/rechner\/\">Overview of all calculators<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Model calculation based on banking practice. This does not constitute financial advice or a commitment to provide financing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently asked questions about wearability<\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list\">\n<div id=\"faq-question-trag-1\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\">How is mortgage affordability calculated?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p>The bank adds up three costs: usually 5 per cent interest on the mortgage, around 1 per cent of the purchase price for ancillary costs, and the annual repayment of the second mortgage. This total must not exceed around one third of your income.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-trag-2\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\">What is the maximum percentage for the affordability ratio?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p>Many banks base their calculations on a maximum of 33 per cent of gross income, whilst others use 35 per cent of net income. Some banks have special rules, for example for high earners or after retirement.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-trag-3\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\">Does the bank base its calculations on gross or net income?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p>This varies depending on the bank. PostFinance and AEK Bank base their calculations on gross income, whilst ZKB, Migros Bank, Helvetia and Schwyzer Kantonalbank use 35 per cent of net income. 35 per cent of net income corresponds to around 30 per cent of gross income.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-trag-4\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\">Why does the bank assume an interest rate of 5 per cent?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p>Because affordability is expected to remain stable even as interest rates rise. The 5 per cent is a conservative long-term figure, not the interest rate you\u2019re paying today.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-trag-5\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\">How much income do I need to buy a house costing CHF 1 million?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p>With around CHF 204,000 in own funds (including ancillary purchase costs in Zurich), a gross income of around CHF 177,000 is required under strict assessment criteria, and around CHF 156,000 under less stringent criteria.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-trag-6\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\">How much income do I need for a CHF 1 million mortgage?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p>With an 80 per cent loan-to-value ratio \u2013 i.e. a purchase price of CHF 1.25 million \u2013 a gross income of around CHF 221,000 is required under strict assessment criteria, and around CHF 195,000 under less stringent criteria.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-trag-7\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\">How much equity do I need for a mortgage?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p>As a rule, at least 20 per cent of the mortgageable value, once the ancillary purchase costs have been paid. Of this, 10 per cent must come from funds other than the pension fund.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-trag-8\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\">Does the bonus count towards the portability?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p>Often not at all, or only partially, because it isn\u2019t guaranteed. Base your calculations on your fixed salary and ask your bank how it treats a regular bonus.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-trag-9\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\">Does the affordability rule also apply when extending the mortgage?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p>When renewing a loan, your current bank may take a different decision to the one it would make for a new loan, even if your ability to service the debt has deteriorated. There is no guarantee. If you switch banks, the new bank will carry out a full assessment of your situation.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-trag-10\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\">What is the difference between loan-to-value and loan-to-income?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p>Affordability is assessed on the basis of your income, whilst the loan-to-value ratio is based on your equity. As a rule, the mortgage must not exceed 80 per cent of the loan-to-value ratio, and the costs must not amount to more than around one-third of your income. Both conditions must be met.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-trag-11\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\">Is the affordability calculator free of charge?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p>Yes. You don\u2019t need to register, and your details won\u2019t be stored anywhere.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Sources:<\/strong> Guidelines of the Swiss Bankers\u2019 Association on mortgage financing (in force since 1 January 2025), data provided by the banks in the table above (retrieved on 9 and 10 October 2026), <a href=\"https:\/\/data.snb.ch\/de\/topics\/ziredev\/cube\/zikrepro\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SNB, interest rates on new mortgage loans<\/a> (10-year fixed-rate mortgage, mid-September 2016 to August 2026), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bsv.admin.ch\/bsv\/de\/home\/sozialversicherungen\/bv\/grundlagen-und-gesetze\/grundlagen\/wohneigentumsfoerderung.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">BSV, Home Ownership Scheme<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/law.ch\/lawnews\/2026\/04\/systemwechsel-eigenmietwert-faellt-per-1-januar-2029\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Change to the imputed rental value system with effect from 1 January 2029<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.estv2.admin.ch\/stp\/ds\/d-handaenderungssteuer-de.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">FTA, Transfer Tax<\/a> and cantonal legislation. As at October 2026.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Ob du dir ein Eigenheim leisten kannst, entscheidet am Ende die Bank. Und die rechnet nicht mit deinem Zins von heute, sondern mit rund 5 Prozent. Gib unten Kaufpreis, Eigenmittel und Einkommen ein. Du siehst sofort, ob es reicht, woran es h\u00e4ngt und was dich das Eigenheim im Monat kostet. So rechnet der Tragbarkeitsrechner: Die [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":48685,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_wp_convertkit_post_meta":{"form":"-1","landing_page":"0","tag":"0","restrict_content":"0"},"footnotes":""},"categories":[468,1264],"tags":[1266,745,1265,1267],"class_list":["post-48681","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-rechner","category-immobilien","tag-belastung","tag-hypothek","tag-tragbarkeit","tag-tragbarkeitsrechner"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.schwiizerfranke.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/48681","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.schwiizerfranke.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.schwiizerfranke.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.schwiizerfranke.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.schwiizerfranke.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=48681"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.schwiizerfranke.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/48681\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":48686,"href":"https:\/\/www.schwiizerfranke.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/48681\/revisions\/48686"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.schwiizerfranke.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/48685"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.schwiizerfranke.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=48681"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.schwiizerfranke.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=48681"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.schwiizerfranke.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=48681"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}