A down payment on a $550,000 house typically ranges from $16,500 (3% minimum) to $110,000 (20% to avoid PMI), depending on the loan type and buyer eligibility. Common options include 3.5% for FHA loans ($19,250) or 5-20% for conventional loans ($27,500 - $110,000).
Putting down the standard 20% can help you avoid paying mortgage insurance and interest and could save you thousands of dollars. So you can expect to pay between $16,500 and $110,000 as a down payment on a $550,000 purchase. Keep in mind, besides the down payment amount, you will also have to factor in closing costs.
Minimum deposit to buy a $550,000 property (no LMI)
This is calculated by multiplying $550,000 by 0.20 (20%). Therefore, to buy a house priced at $550,000 without incurring LMI, you would need to save at least $110,000 for the deposit.
To afford a $550,000 house, you typically need an annual income between $135,000 to $180,000, depending on your financial situation, down payment, credit score, and current market conditions. However, this is a general range, and your specific circumstances will determine the exact income required.
If you want to avoid mortgage insurance by putting 20% down, your down payment should be $100,000. If you plan to put 9% down (the median for first-time homebuyers) it would be $45,000. If you're a first-time homebuyer with an FHA loan and a 3% down requirement, you would need $15,000.
For a $300,000 house, your down payment can range from $0 to $60,000, depending on the loan type; 20% ($60,000) avoids Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), while FHA loans allow as little as 3.5% ($10,500), and VA/USDA loans can offer 0% down for eligible borrowers, though lower down payments often mean higher monthly costs.
With a $150,000 annual salary, you could potentially afford a house priced between $450,000 to $750,000 or even more, depending on your financial situation, credit score, and current market conditions. However, this is a broad range, and your specific circumstances will determine where you fall within it.
Save for a down payment
Aim to save for 10%-to-20% of the home's purchase price, which would be $40,000-to-$80,000 for a $400,000 home. Making a larger down payment can lead to better mortgage terms and lower monthly payments.
First-time homebuyers could make a down payment between 3% and 20% on a $400,000 house. Higher down payments reduce monthly mortgage costs; putting down less than 20% means paying for private mortgage insurance. An annual income of at least $103,000 is recommended for a $400,000 house, assuming you have no other debts.
Key Takeaways. The down payment for a $300K house ranges from $0 to $10,500, depending on the loan type. Conventional loans allow 3% down ($9,000), while FHA loans require 3.5% down ($10,500). VA and USDA loans offer $0 down options, but eligibility depends on military service, location, and income limits.
To afford a $700,000 house, you generally need an annual income between $180,000 to $235,000, depending on interest rates, down payment, and existing debts, with lenders often using the 28/36 rule (housing costs under 28% of gross income, total debt under 36%) to assess affordability. A 20% down payment ($140,000) is common, reducing your loan, but taxes, insurance, and other expenses add to the total monthly cost.
The 28/36 rule is a tool lenders could use to assess an applicant's potential risk for a new loan, specifically a mortgage. The rule suggests that a borrower use no more than 28% of their income on housing, and no more than 36% of their income on overall debts.
Those who like to move around or travel a lot might find renting a better option, while those wanting to create roots in a single location will find buying a better choice. Think about investing in a property. Buying a home can help you gain value and build equity by making home improvements.
In general, the cost of housing should be 25% – 30% of your gross (pre-tax) income. Your monthly mortgage payment will vary based on how much money you put into the down payment, your interest rate, and other factors.
To buy a house, you generally need a credit score of at least 620 for a conventional loan, though government-backed loans like FHA allow scores as low as 500-580, and higher scores (740+) get you the best interest rates. Requirements depend on the lender and loan type, with FHA loans being more lenient for lower scores (500-580), while USDA loans often need 640+, and VA loans usually look for 620+.
Down payment amounts for a $350,000 house can range from 0% to 20% or more. The required down payment depends on the type of mortgage you choose. Conventional loans typically require 3-20% down for a $350,000 house. Government-backed loans like FHA, VA, and USDA have different down payment requirements.