what is the maximum housing ratio 
lenders will vary in their requirements for your maximum housing expenses ratio but they generally want that ratio to be under 28 or 25 even if a lender approves you for a particular amount that does not mean you can actually afford it carefully consider how a mortgage payment will fit into your budget 3the bottom linethe housing expense ratio is an important metric to understand for your finances especially if you are applying for a mortgage lenders rely on this metric to help them determine if you re likely to meet your financial obligations the lower your housing expense ratio the less of a risk you will be to mortgage lenders 