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10% Down Payment Mortgage Calculator

A middle-ground option that lowers your PMI costs while keeping your upfront cash requirement reasonable.

= $40,000

Monthly Payment
$2,395
Loan Amount
$360,000
Total Interest
$502,232
Total Cost
$902,232

Payment Breakdown

Down Payment$40,000 (4.4%)
Principal$360,000 (39.9%)
Total Interest$502,232 (55.7%)
Down Payment
$40,000
on $400,000 home
Monthly P&I
$2,395
7% rate, 30yr
PMI Estimate
$210/mo
~0.7% of loan/yr
Total Interest
$502,232
over 30 years

Monthly Payment with 10% Down by Home Price

Home PriceDown PaymentLoan AmountMonthly P&ITotal Interest
$150,000$15,000$135,000$898$188,337
$200,000$20,000$180,000$1,198$251,116
$250,000$25,000$225,000$1,497$313,895
$300,000$30,000$270,000$1,796$376,674
$350,000$35,000$315,000$2,096$439,453
$400,000$40,000$360,000$2,395$502,232
$450,000$45,000$405,000$2,694$565,011
$500,000$50,000$450,000$2,994$627,790
$600,000$60,000$540,000$3,593$753,348
$700,000$70,000$630,000$4,191$878,906
$750,000$75,000$675,000$4,491$941,685
$800,000$80,000$720,000$4,790$1,004,464
$900,000$90,000$810,000$5,389$1,130,022
$1,000,000$100,000$900,000$5,988$1,255,580

$400,000 Home with 10% Down — By Rate

Rate15-Year30-YearInterest Saved (15yr)
5.5%$2,942$2,044$206,384
6%$3,038$2,158$230,198
6.5%$3,136$2,275$254,683
6.75%$3,186$2,335$267,162
7%$3,236$2,395$279,791
7.25%$3,286$2,456$292,565
7.5%$3,337$2,517$305,478
8%$3,440$2,642$331,696

10% vs 20% Down Payment Comparison

On a $400,000 home at 7% for 30 years:

10% Down20% DownDifference
Down Payment$40,000$80,000$40,000
Loan Amount$360,000$320,000$40,000
Monthly Payment$2,395$2,129$266
Total Interest$502,232$446,428$55,804

Note: With 10% down, PMI (~$210/mo) is required until you reach 20% equity. This adds to your effective monthly cost.

True Cost with 10% Down on $400,000

Cash Needed at Close
$52,000
down + ~3% closing costs
Total Interest (30yr)
$502,232
140% of loan
Total Paid (30yr)
$902,232
2.3× price
Est. PMI Cost
$12,600
~5 years of PMI

Guide to Buying with 10% Down

Putting 10% down on a home means you need $40,000 upfront on a $400,000 home. Here's what to consider:

  • You'll pay PMI. With less than 20% down, private mortgage insurance adds roughly $210/month to your costs. This drops off once you reach 20% equity.
  • Lower barrier to entry. Saving $40,000 is more achievable than the $80,000 needed for 20% down — you can buy sooner and start building equity.
  • Your loan amount is $360,000. A larger loan means more total interest over the life of the mortgage — $502,232 at 7% over 30 years.
  • Don't drain your savings. Keep 3-6 months of expenses in reserve after closing. The $40,000 down payment shouldn't leave you cash-strapped for repairs, moving costs, or emergencies.
  • Explore assistance programs. Many states and cities offer down payment grants or matched savings programs for first-time buyers — these can supplement your 10% down payment.
  • Factor in closing costs. Budget an additional 2-5% ($8,000$20,000) for closing costs on top of your $40,000 down payment.

Frequently Asked Questions — 10% Down Payment

Is 10% a good down payment?

10% is a solid down payment that shows lenders you're invested. You'll still pay PMI, but it's manageable and drops off once you reach 20% equity.

How much is 10% down on a $400,000 home?

10% of $400,000 is $40,000. Your loan amount would be $360,000, with a monthly payment of $2,395 at 7% for 30 years.

Do I need PMI with 10% down?

Yes — PMI is required when putting less than 20% down. On a $360,000 loan, expect roughly $210/month in PMI. You can request PMI removal once your equity reaches 20%.

How does 10% down compare to 20% down?

With 10% down, your monthly payment is $266 higher than 20% down, and you'll pay $55,804 more in total interest. You also need to budget for PMI.

What loan types accept 10% down?

All loan types accept this down payment level. Conventional loans are most common at 10%+. Compare loan types to find the best fit for your credit profile.

Should I save more or buy now with 10% down?

10% is a reasonable middle ground. If saving to 20% would take years, the cost of waiting (rising prices, missed equity growth) may exceed the PMI savings.

How long does it take to save 10% for a $400,000 home?

Saving $40,000 depends on your income and savings rate. At $1,000/month saved, it takes about 40 months (3.3 years). At $2,000/month, roughly 20 months.

Can I use gift money for my 10% down payment?

Yes — most loan types allow gift funds for down payments. Conventional loans may require you to contribute some of your own funds if putting less than 20% down. FHA and VA loans allow 100% of the down payment to come from gifts. You'll need a gift letter from the donor.

Other Down Payment Options