: 0% down (for eligible veterans and service members).
This is the larger sum paid at the end of the transaction to secure your mortgage. Minimum Requirements by Loan Type
: Held in a neutral escrow account and credited toward your final costs at closing. how much deposit to buy a house in california
: On a $905,000 home, this would be $27,150 . 🏠 Final Deposit: Down Payment
With the statewide median home price projected to hit in 2026, a standard 20% down payment would be roughly $181,000 . However, many buyers use low-down-payment programs to get into a home with significantly less. Initial Deposit: Earnest Money : 0% down (for eligible veterans and service members)
To buy a house in California in 2026, you generally need two separate "deposits" at different stages of the process: an ( 1–3% of price ) to secure your offer and a down payment (0–20% of price) to finalize your loan.
This is "good faith" money you pay when your offer is accepted. It shows the seller you are a serious buyer. : 1% to 3% of the purchase price. : On a $905,000 home, this would be $27,150
: Often require 10% to 20% down (required if the loan exceeds conforming limits). Why 20% is the "Magic Number"