Definition of "Affordability ratio"

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

A notice, usually in writing, in which notice of termination is given by one individual or business to another. It is pursuant to a cancellation provision in a contract to forestall ...

property having an easement right through another adjoining property. The property through which the easement passes is considered to have the servient tenement. ...

Appraisal approach where property values are estimated by comparing current comparable sales. See also market approach. ...

The clause in a deed beginning with the words " to have and to hold" limiting or defining the ownership nature of the estate in the property granted by the deed. Declares the type of ...

Property owned and held jointly and equally shared by each spouse. It is purchased during their marriage, regardless of the wage-earning situation of either spouse. A spouse may not make a ...

The Exclusive Agency Listing is regularly confused with the Exclusive Right to Sell Listing, but they are not the same. True: on both Listings, only 1 Broker or Agent has the right to sell ...

Levy charged to use something such as water supplied by the town. ...

Taxes owed due to nonpayment, underreporting, or omission (unknowingly or intentionally) from a prior year. The taxing authority will demand the back taxes, including possible fines, ...

Wires, such as for electricity, places beneath the floor of a structure. ...

Popular Real Estate Questions