Getting a mortgage does not only depend on having money for the down payment. The bank also analyzes what part of the family income will be committed each month to debts. Taking as a reference a debt-to-income ratio of 30%-35% of net income, a family would need around 2,028 euros net per month to face a mortgage of 150,000 euros if they allocate up to 35% to the payment. For a loan of 250,000 euros, the threshold would rise to about 3,380 euros.
There is no minimum legal salary that guarantees obtaining a mortgage. The entities conduct an individual solvency analysis and study income, existing debts, job stability, and other economic circumstances before approving a transaction.
To make a homogeneous comparison, the latest official photograph available can be used. In May 2026, new mortgages on homes were signed with an average interest rate of 2.98% and an average term of 25 years. These are the two variables used to calculate the payments in the following examples.
What salary is needed for a mortgage of 150,000 euros
A mortgage of 150,000 euros at 25 years and at 2.98% generates an approximate payment of 710 euros monthly using the usual amortization system for this type of loan.
If that monthly payment represents at most 35% of the household's net income, approximately 2,028 euros net per month would be necessary. With a more conservative criterion, limiting the payment to 30%, the income would need to rise to about 2,366 euros monthly.
In a couple where both contribute exactly the same amount, this last scenario would equate to about 1,183 euros net monthly per person. The calculation also assumes that there are no other loan payments that reduce the borrowing capacity.
A mortgage of 200,000 euros requires approaching 3,000 euros net
The effort increases when the requested capital reaches 200,000 euros. With the same term of 25 years and an interest rate of 2.98%, the resulting payment is approximately 946 euros monthly.
To keep that monthly payment within 35% of income, the household would need to earn about 2,704 euros net per month. If the 30% is used as a reference, the necessary joint salary rises to approximately 3,154 euros monthly.
In a couple with two identical salaries, this last assumption would amount to about 1,577 net euros per month for each member. The necessary amount would be higher if the household already has to face other debts.
How much you need to earn to finance 250,000 euros
A mortgage of 250,000 euros under the same conditions raises the monthly payment to approximately 1,183 euros. It is a difference of more than 470 euros per month compared to financing 150,000 euros.
For the 1,183 euros to represent a maximum of 35% of net income, the household would need to earn approximately 3,380 euros per month. If the limit is set at 30%, the figure increases to about 3,943 euros per month.
Divided between two holders with the same salary, this last amount would be approximately 1,972 net euros per person per month. The difference highlights the impact that the requested capital has on the level of income necessary to maintain the same financial effort.
Necessary salary for a mortgage of 150,000, 200,000 or 250,000 euros
| Mortgage | Monthly payment | Net income with a 35% limit | Net income with a 30% limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 150,000 € | 710 €/month | 2,028 €/month | 2,366 €/month |
| 200,000 € | 946 €/month | 2,704 €/month | 3,154 €/month |
| 250,000 € | 1,183 €/month | 3,380 €/month | 3,943 €/month |
The calculations are indicative and use a loan for 25 years with an interest rate of 2.98%. They do not constitute a banking offer.
The other debts also count to obtain the mortgage
The percentage should not be interpreted solely in relation to the future mortgage. The debt capacity takes into account the entirety of the household's debts, including loan payments for vehicles, studies, financed purchases, or credit cards.
For example, a family earning 3,000 net euros and already allocating 300 euros per month to a loan is not in the same situation as another with the same salary but without debts. The bank will analyze existing financial obligations before determining what new payment it can assume.
Therefore, the 30%-35% limit should be understood as a reference for financial effort and not as an automatic guarantee of mortgage approval.
The necessary salary changes if the interest or years vary
The previous amounts are not universal either because the mortgage payment depends on the capital, the interest rate, and the amortization period. The scenario of 2.98% over 25 years allows for the comparison of the three loans using homogeneous conditions, but each bank can make a different offer.
Extending the term can reduce the monthly payment and, therefore, the level of income necessary to maintain the same percentage of effort. The trade-off is that the loan remains active for more years and, keeping the rest of the conditions the same, increases the total amount of interest paid.
That is why, earning the calculated amounts does not guarantee that the bank will grant the mortgage. The entity will check the applicant's solvency and assess their income, job stability, available savings, and existing debts before deciding whether to approve the financing.