Homebuyers Face Historic Low Down Payments in Q2 2026 Amid Rising Rates
Homebuyers Face Historic Low Down Payments in Q2 2026
Homebuyers this spring have shown a willingness to increase their down payments compared to winter, but recent data reveals a concerning trend. The typical down payment has plummeted to just $27,100, marking the lowest level recorded for the second quarter since 2021 according to a new report by Realtor.com®.
In this report, down payments not only fell in dollar amounts but also as a percentage of the home purchase price, declining by 9.2% from the previous year. The findings suggest that while inventory has increased, allowing buyers some negotiating power, higher mortgage rates continue to push many potential buyers to the sidelines.