Impact of tax class on creditworthiness

The important thing is the annual gross income. Net income can always be calculated, no matter which tax classes are used.

But the gross/net ratio can also be optimized a bit. Additional contributions to the public health insurance [GKV] and also the "voluntary" church tax. There is often around €100 net per month involved.

However, the lower net income will mean you lack some equity. It does come back with the tax return, but may help little with the loan application.

Best regards

Well, probably the principle, 2 people, 3 opinions. The bank would have thrown so much money at us – I wouldn't have been able to sleep peacefully at night if we had done something like that. We would have gotten enough money even with half the salary.

I think that will now become more difficult. At least if you don't bring more than enough money yourself. Very high valuations and correspondingly high loan amounts probably also make the banks more nervous..

The interest rate does not depend on your net income. What is relevant for the bank is how your equity ratio compares to the lending value of the purchase object. Low equity - high interest. An extra €1000 per month won't get you a bonus there. Only the maximum loan amount roughly depends on the monthly income - but both incomes are considered here. What you lack now, your wife has more of.

What he lacks now, his wife has more?! Certainly not if he is the higher earner... Your generalization: "Interest rate is determined by the ratio of equity to lending value and income only determines the loan amount" is also far too crude. The bank manages risk through the interest rate. Of course, that is lower with a high equity share. But the risk is indeed also measured by income and employment status. Thus, these also influence the interest rate. Logically, not every bank does this the same way. I just looked again at our bank's self-disclosure form. There, only net values are listed for the incomes. Overall, I wouldn't worry too much. The tax class situation is clarified with a few words.

(Change generally only possible once a year)

That is wrong. Since 2020, it is possible to change multiple times.

That is wrong. Since 2020, you can change multiple times.

Learned something new again :)

simply switch back and that's fine