What Buyers Are Really Putting Down

For years, many people have believed you need a 20% down payment to buy a home. But in today’s market, that’s simply not the reality for most buyers.

So, how much are buyers actually putting down?

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the median down payment for first-time homebuyers is just 10%—significantly lower than the traditional 20% benchmark. And depending on the loan type, some buyers are able to put down even less.

This is important because it shifts how you think about your homebuying timeline. If you’ve been trying to save a full 20% before making a move, you may be waiting longer than necessary—especially in a market where home prices and interest rates can change over time.

The good news doesn’t stop there. There are a variety of loan programs and down payment assistance options available that can help make homeownership more accessible. From low down payment conventional loans to government-backed options, many of these programs are designed to reduce the upfront costs and help qualified buyers get into a home sooner.

Bottom line: You may not need as much saved as you think to take that first step. Understanding your options could put you closer to homeownership than you realize.