What is the typical down payment on a house?
Key takeaways
- Down payment amounts range from less than $10,000 to $200,000 or more, depending on the type of loan and property’s sale price.
- Most housing market data focuses on the median down payment, rather than the average, because it’s a better measure of what the typical borrower contributes.
- In 2025, the median down payment on a home in the U.S. was 19% of the purchase price — but for first-time buyers specifically, it was just 10%, according to data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR).
- NAR also found that the typical down payment of first-time buyers is the largest in decades, even as their share of the market has shrunk to a record low.
If you’re thinking about buying a home, traditional advice recommends a 20% down payment. This is a guideline, not a requirement. Most mortgage lenders will accept smaller down payments, and many buyers — especially first-timers — put down less.
But a smaller down payment can come with trade-offs like higher monthly payments and mortgage insurance. It may also mean taking out a larger loan, which will result in more interest paid over time.
Overall, today’s buyers are putting down more than they have in decades, around 19% of a home’s purchase price. When you’re setting your savings goals, this is what a typical down payment looks like and how to decide what’s right for you.
What is the average down payment on a house?
$82,631
Source: National Association of Realtors
Data from the National Association of Realtors shows that the median down payment for all U.S. homebuyers was 19% in 2025. This is the highest the median down payment has been in decades, largely due to who’s buying homes. Rising prices and affordability challenges are keeping many would-be first-time buyers on the sidelines. Meanwhile, repeat buyers with home equity are making larger down payments.
If you dig a bit deeper, that figure varies quite a bit based on a buyer’s history. Current homeowners made a median down payment of 23%, while the median for first-time buyers was just 10%.
This creates a gap in how much buyers are putting down. For example, this is the down payment difference for a median-priced home of $434,900:
| Down payment percentage | Total down payment |
|---|---|
| 10% (first-time buyer median) | $43,490 |
| 23% (repeat buyer median) | $100,027 |
You might be searching for the average down payment on a house, but most housing experts focus on the median, which is the middle value in a data set. It’s a better indicator of what’s typical because the average can be skewed by a small number of borrowers putting down unusually large or small amounts.
How much does a down payment cost?
How much money you’ll need for a down payment depends on the price of the home and percentage you put down. We’ve done the math to help you estimate your down payment at various price points.
| Home price | 3% down | 10% down | 20% down |
|---|---|---|---|
| $200,000 | $6,000 | $20,000 | $40,000 |
| $300,000 | $9,000 | $30,000 | $60,000 |
| $400,000 | $12,000 | $40,000 | $80,000 |
| $500,000 | $15,000 | $50,000 | $100,000 |
| $600,000 | $18,000 | $60,000 | $120,000 |
| $700,000 | $21,000 | $70,000 | $140,000 |
| $800,000 | $24,000 | $80,000 | $160,000 |
| $900,000 | $27,000 | $90,000 | $180,000 |
| $1 million | $30,000 | $100,000 | $200,000 |
For first-time buyers, that money often comes from their own savings. According to a 2025 NAR profile of home buyers and sellers, 59% of first-time buyers used savings toward their down payment, 26% tapped financial assets such as 401(k)s, IRAs or stocks and 22% got help from relatives or friends through a gift or loan. Many buyers combined more than one source. Among repeat buyers, 54% used proceeds from the sale of their previous home.
Down payment requirements by mortgage type
The minimum amount you’ll need for a down payment depends on the cost of the home and the type of mortgage you have. The requirements range from no down payment at all to 10% or more.
| Loan type | Minimum down payment | Minimum credit score | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conventional loan | 3% | None set by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, but lenders often require 620 | Buyers with solid credit who want mortgage insurance they can eventually cancel |
| Adjustable-rate loan | 5% | Same as conventional loans | Buyers who plan to sell or refinance before the rate adjusts |
| Jumbo loan | Typically 10% | Typically 700 or higher, depending on the lender | Buyers borrowing more than the conforming loan limit |
| FHA loan | 3.5% or 10% | 580 for 3.5% down; 500 with 10% down | Buyers with lower credit scores or limited savings |
| VA loan | None | None set by the VA, but lenders often require 620 | Eligible service members, veterans and surviving spouses |
| USDA loan | None | None set by the USDA, but lenders often require 640 | Low- to-moderate income buyers in eligible rural and some suburban areas |
Average down payment by age
In general, the younger the buyer, the smaller the down payment. Older buyers are more likely to be able to sell a previous home to fund a down payment or have had more working years in which to save up for the purchase. These are the typical down payments by age group, according to the National Association of Realtors’ 2026 Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends report:
| Homebuyer age group | Median down payment percentage |
|---|---|
| All buyers | 19% |
| 18-26 years old | 9% |
| 27-35 years old | 13% |
| 36-45 years old | 15% |
| 46-60 years old | 19% |
| 61-70 years old | 26% |
| 71-79 years old | 36% |
| 80-100 years old | 31% |
Source: National Association of Realtors
Why does a down payment matter?
Making the minimum down payment is always an option, but there are real benefits to putting down more. The larger your down payment, the less you’ll need to borrow, which means lower monthly payments and less interest paid over the life of the loan. A larger down payment can also help you qualify for a competitive mortgage rate. You’ll also have more equity in the home to act as a cushion if home values decline.
On a conventional mortgage, putting down at least 20% also lets you avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI). PMI is an extra cost that helps protect lenders, and it is tacked onto your monthly payment until you reach 20% equity.
That said, waiting until you can put down 20% isn’t always the right move. Home prices can climb while you save, and the years you spend renting are years you’re not building equity in a home you could eventually pass down to future generations. If you’re struggling to save, look into down payment assistance programs offered in your area.
Ultimately, the right amount depends on your finances and comfort with risk. A smaller down payment can get you into a home sooner, but it means a bigger loan and higher monthly costs. A larger down payment takes longer to save for but results in lower monthly costs. Either way, avoid draining your savings to make the down payment, and keep an emergency fund on hand for repairs and surprise expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Why we ask for feedback Your feedback helps us improve our content and services. It takes less than a minute to complete.
Your responses are anonymous and will only be used for improving our website.
Up next
We appreciate your feedback
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience.