You do not always need a 20% down payment to buy a home. The better question is which available loan and down-payment combination fits your monthly budget, closing funds and savings goals. Compare the complete costs before choosing how much cash to put into your Denver purchase.
Separate the minimum from the right amount for you
Some loan programs allow a down payment below 20%, while eligibility, loan limits and lender requirements vary. A smaller down payment usually means a larger loan. Depending on the program, it can also mean mortgage insurance or other charges. Ask for actual options based on your finances rather than assuming an advertised minimum is available to everyone.
Request a side-by-side comparison
Ask a lender to price at least two down-payment amounts for the same home and loan term. For each, write down the loan balance, rate, mortgage insurance, closing costs, cash to close and full monthly payment. Ask whether any insurance charge can end, and under what rules.
Simple purchase-price math: On a hypothetical $500,000 home, 5% is $25,000, 10% is $50,000 and 20% is $100,000. Those figures describe down payments only. They do not include closing costs, prepaid expenses or the reserves you choose to retain, and they do not imply approval for a loan.
Decide what must remain in savings
Write a separate list for moving, immediate repairs, furnishings and an emergency cushion. This turns a broad question—“Can I buy?”—into a more useful one: “Can I close and still manage the first year comfortably?”
Ask about assistance without assuming it is free
If you explore down-payment assistance, request the current written terms. Confirm who qualifies, whether repayment is required, when repayment could be triggered and how the assistance affects your primary mortgage. Your lender or a housing counselor can help identify programs to investigate.
Official resources
Planning a Denver move? Explore our homebuyer guide or contact Jonathan Loewenberg at Search Denver Homes | Compass: 303-800-5623. We can help you compare properties and coordinate your real estate timeline with your lender.
Reviewed November 14, 2026. General educational information; your lender must confirm loan availability, eligibility, pricing and documentation for your situation. Examples are illustrative, not loan offers.