When asked what percentage of gross household income a homeowner should set aside for housing costs, 44% of Canadians select amounts deemed to be too high or too low based on mortgage lending standards, according to a new Angus Reid survey.

The survey, commissioned by Mortgage Intelligence, a leading Canadian residential mortgage brokerage, was designed to determine how closely Canadians’ perceptions of housing affordability are aligned with Gross Debt Service (GDS) ratio guidelines.

The GDS ratio is a popular measure for lenders to evaluate the financial condition of borrowers. According to general mortgage lending standards, a GDS ratio for monthly housing costs — which includes mortgage principal and interest payments, property taxes and heating expenses — should not exceed 32% of gross household income at the high end. Of those surveyed, 47% correctly selected a range of 20% to 32% of gross income for housing costs.

About 27% of respondents underestimated the amount of gross income a homeowner should set aside for housing expenses, estimating 20% of gross income or lower. On the flip side, 17% of respondents overestimated, stating that 41% or more is enough to cover housing expenses.

“Canadians whose monthly housing expenses exceed a maximum GDS ratio of 32% risk overextending themselves and could face challenges in meeting their mortgage obligations, while those who underestimate housing costs may be taken aback by the reality of rising housing costs in Canada” says John Schipper, president of Mortgage Intelligence. “It’s important that homebuyers properly evaluate their current financial situation and seek proper guidance about what they can truly afford.”

In addition to the GDS, another important financial measure for home affordability is the Total Debt Service (TDS) ratio. In addition to housing costs, this ratio also takes into account debt payments on bank loans, car loans, credit cards and other regular commitments, including alimony or child support. Typically, lenders require that a borrower’s TDS ratio not exceed 40% of his or her monthly gross income.

“Online tools, such as mortgage calculators, are a good starting point for homebuyers to determine appropriate housing budgets, but they shouldn’t stop there,” adds Schipper. “A one-on-one consultation with a mortgage professional will help borrowers define a plan that ties home ownership dreams to personal and financial goals.”

Some interesting provincial distinctions were also apparent in the survey findings. In Atlantic Canada, 38% of respondents set aside up to 20 % of their gross income for housing, while in the Prairies 30% of respondents state that 41% or more of gross income is an appropriate allocation.