What house can my salary buy? (2026 table)
Quick answer: Estimate: RM3,000 net → comfortable target RM309,000, upper limit RM464,000; RM5,000 → RM516,000 to RM774,000. 'Comfortable' means an instalment of 40% of salary; the 'upper limit' is 60% DSR with no other debt. Assumes 3.8%, 35 years, 90% loan.
Key facts
| Assumed rate | 3.8% a year |
|---|---|
| Tenure | 35 years |
| Margin | 90% |
| RM3,000 salary | RM309,000 – RM464,000 |
| RM5,000 salary | RM516,000 – RM774,000 |
Salary vs house price
| Net salary | Comfortable instalment (40%) | Comfortable target | Maximum instalment (DSR 60%) | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RM2,000 | RM800 | RM206,000 | RM1,200 | RM309,000 |
| RM2,500 | RM1,000 | RM258,000 | RM1,500 | RM387,000 |
| RM3,000 | RM1,200 | RM309,000 | RM1,800 | RM464,000 |
| RM3,500 | RM1,400 | RM361,000 | RM2,100 | RM542,000 |
| RM4,000 | RM1,600 | RM413,000 | RM2,400 | RM619,000 |
| RM5,000 | RM2,000 | RM516,000 | RM3,000 | RM774,000 |
| RM6,000 | RM2,400 | RM619,000 | RM3,600 | RM928,000 |
| RM7,000 | RM2,800 | RM722,000 | RM4,200 | RM1,083,000 |
| RM8,000 | RM3,200 | RM825,000 | RM4,800 | RM1,238,000 |
| RM10,000 | RM4,000 | RM1,032,000 | RM6,000 | RM1,547,000 |
Assumes no other debt, 3.8% a year, 35-year tenure, 90% margin. "Net salary" is after EPF, SOCSO and tax. Prices rounded to the nearest RM1,000.
The "upper limit" is theoretical. Each bank sets its own DSR limit and stress-tests at a higher rate, so aim for the comfortable target column to leave room for family, a car and emergencies.
Other debts? Subtract them first
Car, PTPTN, personal loan and credit-card payments come off the instalment limit. Example: RM4,000 net, 60% DSR = RM2,400; with a RM700 car loan only RM1,700 is left for the home — about RM438,000.
How to raise your eligibility
- Buy with your spouse — incomes are combined. See joint loans.
- Clear small debts before applying — credit cards and BNPL are easiest.
- Choose a longer tenure (up to age 70 at most banks).
- Civil servants: LPPSA has its own limits by grade.
- Irregular income: SJKP.
Try your own numbers in the home calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What house can I buy on a RM3,000 salary?
A comfortable target is about RM309,000 (RM1,200 instalment). The theoretical upper limit is about RM464,000 at 60% DSR with no other debt (3.8%, 35 years, 90% loan).
Can I buy a house on RM2,500?
Yes — a comfortable target of about RM258,000, up to about RM387,000 with no other debt. Consider Rumah Mampu Milik Johor, PR1MA or terrace projects on JB's edge such as Ulu Tiram and Kulai.
On RM5,000, what price can I afford?
A comfortable target of about RM516,000; the upper limit is about RM774,000 at 60% DSR with no other debt.
Do banks use gross or net salary?
Most banks assess DSR on net salary (after EPF, SOCSO and tax). Fixed allowances usually count; variable allowances and overtime may only partly count.
What is DSR?
Debt Service Ratio — the share of net income used for all monthly debt repayments, including the new home loan.