Buying a house is exciting, but let's be honest—it can also feel like trying to solve a puzzle with half the pieces missing. Among the many financial parts to consider, the down payment is probably one of the first (and biggest) pieces people think about. But how much are we really talking about? Is there a magic number? And does everyone pay the same amount down? Not quite.

Let’s break it down and look at what the average down payment looks like, who’s paying what, and how it actually plays out across the country.

What the Numbers Say About the Average Down Payment

Let’s start with the basics: the national average. Across the U.S., the average down payment for a home sits at around 13% of the home’s purchase price, according to recent housing data. But this number is just that—an average. And averages, by nature, don’t tell the whole story.

For first-time homebuyers, the down payment tends to be lower, closer to 6% to 7%. Meanwhile, repeat buyers—those who’ve been around the block before—often bring more to the table, with down payments climbing to around 17% or more.

So why the gap? Simple: equity. People who’ve owned a home before usually sell that home and roll the proceeds into the next one. First-time buyers don’t have that. They’re starting from scratch, and scratch doesn’t always stretch far.

Factors That Influence Down Payments

No two buyers are the same, and the amount someone puts down depends on more than just savings. A few key things shape how much people end up paying upfront.

1. Loan Type

Different loan types come with different down payment rules. For example:

• Conventional loans typically require 5% to 20% down, but some allow as little as 3% for qualified buyers.
• FHA loans, which are popular among first-timers, need just 3.5% down.
• VA and USDA loans often allow zero down, but they’re only available to eligible borrowers.

This means that someone might have enough saved for a larger down payment but choose a loan that allows them to keep more cash on hand.

2. Credit Score

The better your credit, the more flexibility you have—not just in the loan options available but also in the interest rates you're offered. Lenders are more likely to approve low down payment loans for people with good credit scores, while someone with a lower score might need to put down more to offset risk.

3. Location

Yes, where you live (or want to live) makes a big difference. In expensive areas like California or New York, home prices are higher, and that means even a 10% down payment can be six figures. In more affordable markets, that same 10% might equal what someone else pays for a used car.

4. Personal Financial Goals

Some buyers want a low monthly mortgage, so they put more down. Others prefer to keep extra savings for renovations, emergencies, or future investments. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—just different strategies for different priorities.

How People Save for Their Down Payments

Now that we've covered what people are paying let's talk about how they’re getting there. Because a down payment doesn’t fall out of the sky, and for many, it takes time—and a plan.

Step 1: Setting a Realistic Target

Rather than focusing on some perfect percentage, most buyers start by figuring out how much house they can afford. That number shapes their down payment goal. For example, if you’re aiming to buy a $300,000 home, even a modest 5% down means coming up with $15,000.

Step 2: Creating a Dedicated Savings Account

One of the most helpful things people do is set up a separate account just for their down payment. No mixing it in with everyday spending or emergency funds. Keeping it separate helps prevent the “out of sight, out of mind” problem while also making progress easier to track.

Step 3: Automating Contributions

Saving a chunk of money can feel daunting. That’s why many people automate it—small, regular deposits that don’t make a huge dent in their lifestyle. Think of it like a gym membership for your future house: steady, consistent progress.

Step 4: Finding Additional Funding

Plenty of buyers turn to outside help. Some receive gifts from family. Others qualify for local or state down payment assistance programs. These can offer grants or forgivable loans that help bridge the gap, especially for first-time buyers.

Down Payment Trends by Age and Buyer Type

Not surprisingly, different types of buyers approach down payments in varying ways. Here's a quick snapshot of how it plays out.

First-Time Buyers

• Average down payment: 6% to 7%
• More likely to use FHA or other low-down-payment loans
• Frequently rely on gift funds or assistance programs

Repeat Buyers

• Average down payment: 17% to 20%
• Often use conventional loans
• Use equity from previous home sales to fund the down payment

Buyers in Their 20s and 30s

Younger buyers tend to go with whatever gets them in the door. Lower down payments, more flexible loan types, and an emphasis on getting out of renting.

Buyers Over 40

More financial stability often means larger down payments. Not necessarily to reduce the loan size but sometimes just to lock in lower monthly payments or avoid paying private mortgage insurance (PMI).

The Bottom Line

So, what is the average down payment on a house? Technically, it’s around 13%—but that number is just a midpoint, not a rule. Depending on your situation, you could put down much less or much more.

There’s no perfect percentage to aim for. What matters is choosing an amount that fits your budget, aligns with your long-term goals, and keeps you financially steady after the purchase. Some will want to keep cash in hand. Others will want to shrink their mortgage as much as possible. Either way, the “average” is just a starting point—not the standard. And remember: owning a home isn’t about hitting someone else’s target. It’s about hitting your own.