Affordability to banking standards.
Calculated the way banks do it: a 5 % imputed interest rate, amortisation of the second mortgage and 1 % ancillary costs may not exceed 33 % of your gross income.
Your result
Live| Interest (5 % imputed) | CHF 40’000 |
| Amortisation (15 years) | CHF 10’000 |
| Ancillary costs (1 %) | CHF 10’000 |
| Total | CHF 60’000 |
| per month | CHF 5’000 |
- The second mortgage of CHF 150’000 must be amortised within 15 years (CHF 10’000 per year).
- Affordability is just over 33 %. Some banks accept this with good credit standing or additional income.
- To reach affordability of 33 %, you are short of around CHF 2’000 in gross income per year.
The figures above are guidelines. Some banks make exceptions, for example for assets, additional income or a very good credit rating. We look at your situation free of charge and without obligation.
What would your mortgage cost today?
Effective interest cost on CHF 800’000 at Voltavia indicative rates (as of 10.10.2026, 18:11, good credit standing).
| Product | Rate p.a. | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| SARON mortgage | 1.08 % | CHF 720 | CHF 8’640 |
| Fixed-rate mortgage 2 years | 1.19 % | CHF 793 | CHF 9’520 |
| Fixed-rate mortgage 5 years | 1.32 % | CHF 880 | CHF 10’560 |
| Fixed-rate mortgage 10 years | 1.58 % | CHF 1’053 | CHF 12’640 |
Affordability explained in brief.
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Choose mortgages and threshold yourselfWhat does the 33 per cent rule mean?
Housing costs may not exceed one third of your gross income. The calculation uses a 5 % imputed interest rate on the entire mortgage, amortisation of the second mortgage and 1 % ancillary costs on the purchase price.
Why do banks calculate with 5 % interest when mortgages are much cheaper?
The bank checks whether you could still afford the mortgage if rates were considerably higher. The actual rate you pay is independent of this and much lower today.
What is the second mortgage?
The part of the mortgage above 65 % of the purchase price. It must be repaid within 15 years, at the latest by retirement. The annual repayment counts towards affordability.
What happens if my affordability is just over 33 %?
Up to around 35 %, the bank decides case by case, for example if you have a secure income or additional assets. Above that it becomes difficult. More equity or a lower purchase price will help.
Does my partner's income count too?
Yes, if you are joint borrowers. Banks usually calculate with regular gross income; bonuses and secondary income often only count in part.