1. What is the Scottish Government Housing Guideline?

The Scottish Government recommends that housing costs should not exceed 30% of a household's income to ensure affordability and financial stability.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple formula:

Where:

• \( Rent \) — Affordable monthly rent (GBP)
• \( Income \) — Total monthly household income (GBP)
• \( 0.3 \) — 30% affordability threshold

Explanation: This calculation ensures housing costs remain at a sustainable proportion of income.

3. Importance of Rent Affordability

Details: Maintaining rent at or below 30% of income helps prevent financial stress, ensures money is available for other essential expenses, and promotes long-term housing stability.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your total monthly household income (after tax) in GBP. The calculator will show the maximum recommended rent according to Scottish government guidelines.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is this 30% rule before or after tax?
A: The guideline typically refers to after-tax (net) income, but some variations may use gross income - check specific program requirements.

Q2: Does this include utilities and council tax?
A: The 30% guideline generally refers to base rent only. Additional housing costs should be considered separately in your budget.

Q3: What if my rent exceeds 30% of my income?
A: You may qualify for housing benefits or should consider more affordable housing options to avoid financial strain.

Q4: Are there exceptions to this rule?
A: In high-cost areas, some flexibility may be applied, but exceeding 30% significantly increases financial risk.

Q5: How does this compare to other countries' guidelines?
A: Many countries use similar 30% thresholds, though some may adjust for local cost of living differences.