Your choice of mortgage is the biggest factor in determining your required upfront cash. How Much is a Down Payment on a House? - Chase Bank
The belief that you need 20% down to buy a house is one of the most persistent myths in real estate. While 20% is a standard benchmark to avoid extra costs, the median down payment for first-time buyers in early 2026 is approximately . Depending on your eligibility, you can actually secure a home with as little as 3% to 3.5% down , or even 0% through specific government-backed programs. Minimum Down Payment by Loan Type
Lou S. Felipe, Ph.D. (she/they) is an assistant professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, where she provides culturally responsive, trauma-focused psychotherapy. Her research examines the intersectional identity experiences of marginalization, particularly at the intersection of race, ethnicity, gender, and sexuality with a unique specialization in Pilipinx American psychology.
