Down Payment Savings Calculator — How Long to Save for a House

Down Payment Savings Calculator 2026 | How Long to Save for a House | State Loan Rates

Down Payment Savings Planner

How long until you can buy? Enter your target home price, current savings, monthly savings rate, and investment return to get your exact purchase timeline — and see how small changes dramatically speed up your path to homeownership.

Your home goal
$
%
20% avoids PMI; 3.5% is FHA minimum
%
%
Your target price will grow too
Your savings
$
$
%
HYSA: ~4.5%; ETF: 7–10%
%
% increase in monthly savings each year
You can buy in
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—
Target down payment
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+ Closing costs
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Total cash needed
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Investment gains
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💡 Save $500 more/mo
Buy date—
Time saved—
🏦 Use 10% down instead
Buy date—
Time saved—
📈 Invest at 7% return
Buy date—
Time saved—
🎁 $20K lump sum gift/bonus
Buy date—
Time saved—
Your savings vs target over time

Where to keep your down payment savings

If you’re buying within 2 years, keep savings in a High-Yield Savings Account (HYSA) or CDs — currently paying 4–5% with zero risk. Don’t put a short-term down payment in stocks; a market drop the month before you want to buy could set you back years. If your timeline is 3+ years, a mix of HYSA and conservative ETFs can boost returns.

Down payment assistance programs

Many first-time buyers don’t realize that state and local down payment assistance programs can provide $5,000–$25,000 in grants or low-interest loans. Every state has programs — use this calculator to see your timeline, then research your state’s housing agency for assistance that could cut your wait time significantly.

Disclaimer: Projections are estimates. Investment returns are not guaranteed. See our Financial Disclaimer.