In mortgage calculations, the Gross Debt Service Ratio is crucial for evaluating which financial factor?

The Gross Debt Service Ratio (GDSR) is a key metric used by lenders to assess a borrower's ability to manage their housing costs in relation to their income. It specifically measures what portion of a borrower's gross income is allocated toward housing expenses, which typically include mortgage payments, property taxes, and heating costs.

A lower GDSR indicates that the borrower is spending a smaller percentage of their income on housing, suggesting they have more financial flexibility and are less likely to default on their mortgage. Lenders often use the GDSR to determine if a borrower can comfortably manage their housing costs without overstretching their finances.

The focus of the GDSR is inherently about the allocation of a borrower's income toward these expenses, making it a crucial determining factor in the mortgage approval process.