05/30/2026
Lower down payments are bringing more buyers back into the market. 🏡📉
The typical U.S. down payment dropped to $23,400 in Q1 2026 — the lowest level since 2021 and down 19% year-over-year. At the same time, average down payment percentages have now declined for four straight quarters.
What’s driving the shift?
More buyers are utilizing FHA and VA loan programs with lower down payment requirements, and those loan types now make up more than one-third of all purchase mortgages.
For buyers who thought they needed 20% down to purchase a home… the market may be more accessible than they realize.
Are you seeing lower down payments become more common in your market? đź‘€