How Much Income Do You Need To Buy a House in 2025?

One of the #1 questions Americans ask today is: how much income do I actually need to buy a home in 2025?

Mortgage rates are high. Rent is expensive. Home prices didn’t crash. So where does that leave homebuyers?

The 2025 Reality Check

Average 2025 mortgage rates are currently between 6.3% – 6.8%. This means every $100,000 borrowed costs more per month compared to 2019–2022. But here's the twist — mortgage lenders still use almost the same formula to approve you:

Your mortgage approval is primarily based on income, not savings.

Most banks follow a standard rule called the DTI limit (Debt-to-Income ratio). And for most lenders, that limit is around 43%.

Want to test your numbers live? Try our Free Mortgage Calculator.

So… What Income Do You Actually Need?

Let’s break down real 2025 numbers based on typical homes around the U.S.

Example 1 — Buying a $250,000 Home

• Mortgage Rate Estimate: ~6.5%
• Down Payment: 5%
• Monthly Mortgage: ~$1,680
• Required Gross Income: ~$72,000/year

Example 2 — Buying a $400,000 Home

• Monthly Mortgage: ~$2,600
• Required Income: ~$108,000/year

Example 3 — Buying a $600,000 Home

• Monthly Mortgage: ~$3,850
• Required Income: ~$162,000/year

Can a Couple Combine Income?

YES — and this is becoming the most common strategy in 2025. Two-person income buyers now dominate the market because dual income = double approval power.

People On Facebook Say This Daily:

“Bro, how do people afford houses with these salaries?”

The truth: people who own in 2025 are not paying cash — they are using financing + refinancing strategy.

Is It Better to Wait Until Rates Drop?

Waiting for rates to fall usually results in this:

• Lower rates → more buyers jump back in
• More buyers → higher prices
• Higher prices eat the benefit of lower rates

That’s why experts say:

“Marry the house, date the rate.” — refinance later.

Best 2025 Affordable Markets

• Kansas City
• Columbus
• Houston
• San Antonio
• Tampa
• Raleigh

Final Advice

If your income covers the payment today, and you’re staying 3–5 years, buying beats waiting.

Run Your Exact Income Numbers

No guessing. Test your income today using our Mortgage Calculator — and see real numbers instantly.

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