How Much Should You Put Down on a Home?
Down payment ratios differ for first and second homes, directly affecting loan size and monthly payments. This guide covers common policies and how the down payment shapes your payment.
The down payment is the lump sum you pay upfront; only the remainder is financed. A higher down payment means a smaller loan, lower monthly payments and less total interest — but it ties up more cash.
Policies vary by city: first homes commonly require 20%–30% down, second homes more. Always check the latest local rules.
Set the loan amount (= price − down payment) in this tool and compare monthly payments across different down payment ratios to find a plan that fits your cash flow.