Finance question
How much down payment should I make when buying a house?
Last updated 2026-09-17
Quick answer
Many buyers put 10–25% down. A larger down payment cuts EMI and interest; it also drains cash you might need for stamp duty, interiors and emergencies. Lenders cap loan-to-value; those caps are policy, not a number we will invent for every ticket size. Use the EMI calculator on the leftover loan.
Calculate your numbers
Tables below use stated assumptions. Change rate, tenure or income in the calculator for your case.
Open Home loan EMICash you still need besides down payment
Stamp duty, registration, GST on under-construction (if applicable), interiors and 6 months of EMI buffer. A 10% down payment that leaves you broke is too small even if the bank allows it.
Formula
Loan = price − down payment. EMI from the reducing-balance formula on that loan.
Example scenarios
₹1 crore property — EMI at 8.5% for 20 years by down-payment %
| Down payment | Amount | Loan | EMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | ₹10,00,000 | ₹90,00,000 | ₹78,104 |
| 15% | ₹15,00,000 | ₹85,00,000 | ₹73,765 |
| 20% | ₹20,00,000 | ₹80,00,000 | ₹69,426 |
| 25% | ₹25,00,000 | ₹75,00,000 | ₹65,087 |
| 30% | ₹30,00,000 | ₹70,00,000 | ₹60,748 |
Your bank may not offer every LTV in this table. Ask them.
What changes the answer
- Bank LTV cap for that loan amount
- Other cash needs
- Whether a prepayment next year is likely
Things to consider
- Do not liquidate the emergency fund for the last 2% down payment.
- ₹1 crore illustration, 8.5%, 20 years. LTV not taken from an unofficial blog table.
Results are educational estimates, not tax, legal, investment, or medical advice, and not a loan offer. Verify filings and payments with the official authority or a qualified professional.
FAQs
No. It is a common planning figure. LTV is lender- and ticket-specific.