How much down payment do I need to buy a house?
Common minimums are 3% down on some conventional programs and 3.5% down on FHA for qualifying borrowers, though the amount that fits you depends on your cash, your monthly budget and how mortgage insurance is priced for your profile.
Down Payments · Written by Anil Aggarwal, Realtor® | Mortgage Loan Officer · Updated August 8, 2026
There is no single required down payment. Program minimums set the floor: conventional loans can go as low as 3% for eligible borrowers, FHA generally requires 3.5% with a qualifying credit profile, and some VA and USDA loans allow no down payment for eligible borrowers.
A larger down payment lowers the loan amount, which lowers the monthly principal and interest and can remove conventional mortgage insurance at 20% down. It also uses cash you may want for reserves, moving costs, repairs or investing.
The useful way to decide is to price two or three specific down payments against each other and look at cash required, monthly payment, mortgage insurance and where you stand in five and ten years.
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Educational only: The calculators and information on this website are for educational and illustrative purposes only. Results are estimates based on the information and assumptions entered and are not a loan offer, commitment to lend, financial advice or guarantee of eligibility, rates, costs or savings. Actual loan terms, rates, fees, mortgage insurance and qualification requirements vary by borrower, property, lender and loan program. Speak with a licensed mortgage professional for personalized information.