Calculator

Down Payment Calculator

Compare the minimum down payment and cash to close for conventional, FHA, VA and USDA loans, see how much down payment assistance covers, and how long it takes to save the rest.

The home

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%
$
Grants or assistance loans
$
To find assistance programs

Your savings

$
$

Least cash you need

$9,500

with a VA loan, if you qualify. Putting 20% down on a conventional loan would take $69,500.

LoanDown paymentClosing + inspectionYour cashTime to save
Conventional3% down$9,000$9,500$18,5002 yrs 3 mo
FHA3.5% down$10,500$9,500$20,0002 yrs 6 mo
VA0% down$0$9,500$9,5009 months
USDA0% down$0$9,500$9,5009 months
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Many state and local programs help first-time buyers with the down payment and closing costs. Enter an assistance amount above to see what it does to your cash and your timeline.

Lower your cash to closeFind down payment assistance programs you may qualify forCheck eligibility →

Figure 1

Cash to close by loan type

Minimum down payment, closing costs and inspection on a $300,000 home.

Source: HouseBuyerGuides.com calculations. Closing costs at 3% of the price. FHA, VA and USDA upfront fees are assumed to be financed into the loan.

View data table
Your cashAssistanceTotal
Conventional (3% down)$18,500$0$18,500
FHA (3.5% down)$20,000$0$20,000
VA (0% down)$9,500$0$9,500
USDA (0% down)$9,500$0$9,500

Upfront fees added to the loan at these down payments: FHA $5,066, VA $6,450, USDA $3,000.

Estimates for planning only, not a loan offer or financial advice. Program rules checked October 22, 2026; property tax defaults from Census 2024 data. Your lender's Loan Estimate has your actual numbers.

How this calculator works

For each loan type, the calculator adds up the cash you need before you get the keys:

  • Minimum down payment: 0% for VA and USDA (for eligible buyers and areas), 3% for conventional loans for qualifying buyers, and 3.5% for FHA with a 580+ credit score.
  • Closing costs: a percentage of the price, 3% by default. Your Loan Estimate shows the real figure.
  • Home inspection: usually paid before closing.

FHA, VA and USDA upfront fees are shown but not counted as cash, because most buyers add them to the loan.

Down payment assistance is subtracted from what you pay yourself, up to the cost of the down payment and closing costs. Enter what a program near you offers to see the difference. The savings plan shows how many months it takes to reach your share at your current pace.

Lowering the cash you need

Besides assistance, ask the seller for a credit toward closing costs, compare lender fees on Loan Estimates, and check whether you qualify for a VA or USDA loan.

Frequently asked questions

How much do I need for a down payment?+
It depends on the loan: 0% for VA and USDA, 3% for conventional loans for qualifying buyers, 3.5% for FHA with a 580+ credit score, and 20% to avoid mortgage insurance on a conventional loan.
Is 20% down required?+
No. Twenty percent down avoids private mortgage insurance on a conventional loan, but most first-time buyers put down far less.
Can down payment assistance cover closing costs?+
Many programs allow it. Some limit the money to the down payment; others let it cover closing costs and prepaid items too.
Does earnest money count toward my down payment?+
Yes. Your earnest money deposit is credited toward your cash to close at closing.

Sources

Last verified October 22, 2026.