Definition of "Affordability ratio"

Patty  Orchard real estate agent

Written by

Patty Orchardelite badge icon

EXP Realty LLC

Affordability is a term used to describe the ability of a person or entity to pay in relation to the income earned by them. Affordability is the comparison of a person's income against their liabilities. The extent to which something is affordable can be described as an affordability ratio. For example, some people might be able to purchase a luxury car because it is affordable when considering their high income, while for others, owning an expensive car is not affordable because of their low income.

Affordability ratio in real estate

If we are to define affordability ratio in real estate, household expenses in relation to the income within the same household is the affordability ratio. If we deduct the household income from the housing expenditure then we obtain the net affordability ratio. This is useful in order to measure how much the expenses weigh in relation to the housing occupancy and how it affects the household budget.

The income used in order to calculate the affordability ratio includes all streams of income within the household. Retirement pensions, family benefits, financial assets, replacement income, and salaried or non-salaried professional activities contribute to the household income. 

This measurement is relevant to determine the home affordability ratio, which tells homebuyers how much they can afford to spend on a house. The affordability ratio is also used by lenders to determine a borrower’s ability to follow monthly loan repayments. Different cities have a different affordability ratio, therefore, the country has cities that are most affordable and cities that are less affordable.

It all comes down to the cost of living when a comparison between two states, cities, or neighborhoods is made. The cost of living in comparison to the median household income can also be considered as an example of the affordability ratio for different cities or areas.

image of a real estate dictionary page

Have a question or comment?

We're here to help.

*** Your email address will remain confidential.
 

 

Popular Real Estate Terms

Real property located in an excellent area for its designated objective. An example is a restaurant situated near office buildings, on the main boulevard, so it is easy to see, and has ...

legal ruling providing protection to home buyers of defective homes bought from a seller who then sold the contract to a third party. ...

A real estate broker who lists and sells houses or condominiums, as distinguished from a commercial broker who handles business property. ...

Company formed for the purpose of owning securities of one or more real estate corporations and assuming control over their practices and management. The other corporations are generally ...

Percentage of a geographic location's population to the number of persons employable by a basic industry in that area. A basic industry is one that draws income from outside the locality ...

Hollow building block whose dimensions are 8 x 8 x 16. Concrete blocks are widely used in the construction of foundations and outer walls. They provide strength and durability. ...

Compilation of all tax maps of a given tax district that are bound together and kept at the local tax office. The tax book is a public record that may be accessed by an individual for ...

The initial cost of a home plus any expense for final settlement that are not tax deductible plus capital improvements. ...

Every borrower has his own definition of amortization schedule in mind. An amortization schedule is a table that reveals how the debt is going to be paid back and at what cost. For most ...

Popular Real Estate Questions