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Anywhere from $9,000 to $60,000 — and sometimes 0%

For a $300,000 home, the required down payment depends on your loan program and credit. A 3% conventional loan demands at least $9,000【424043339343144†L82-L96】 — and often a credit score of 700 or higher【424043339343144†L106-L117】. FHA loans require 3.5%, or $10,500【424043339343144†L82-L92】. Putting 5% down costs $15,000【424043339343144†L82-L96】; 10% is $30,000, and 20% is $60,000. Some VA and USDA programs allow 0% down for qualified borrowers. The median down payment among U.S. buyers is about 15%【424043339343144†L106-L117】, but first‑time buyers often put far less. Which option you choose will affect your monthly payment, mortgage insurance and overall financial flexibility.

Below, we break down each percentage, discuss who qualifies and explore the benefits and trade‑offs so you can decide how much to save.