How Much Do I Need to Put Down to Buy a House in Texas?

The number one reason first-time buyers delay purchasing a home in Texas is a myth: the belief that you need 20% down. On a $330,000 Texas home, that is $66,000 in cash you may not actually need. Here is what the numbers really look like.

What Down Payment Do You Actually Need?

According to LendingTree's 2026 Texas homebuyer guide, the median Texas home price was approximately $330,000 as of December 2025. Here is what minimum down payments look like across the most common loan types:

• Conventional loan: As little as 3% down — approximately $9,900 on a $330,000 home. A 5% down payment is common, running about $16,500.
• FHA loan: 3.5% down for borrowers with a credit score of 580 or higher, per JVM Lending's 2026 FHA guide — approximately $11,550 on a $330,000 home. Scores between 500 and 579 may qualify with 10% down.
• VA loan: Zero down payment for active-duty military, veterans, and eligible surviving spouses. No private mortgage insurance required. San Antonio, as home to major military installations, has a significant population that qualifies.
• USDA loan: Zero down payment for eligible rural and some suburban areas. Eligibility is property-location based.

Texas Down Payment Assistance Programs

Texas has several programs specifically designed to help buyers with down payments and closing costs:

• My First Texas Home (TDHCA): Offers down payment and closing cost assistance of up to 5% of the mortgage loan amount, combined with a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage. Requires first-time homebuyer status and a credit score of 620 or higher, per TDHCA's program details.
• TSAHC Home Sweet Texas: For low- and moderate-income households. Income limits vary by county.
• Homes for Texas Heroes: Provides down payment assistance between 3% and 5% for teachers, police officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, correctional officers, and veterans.
• Homeownership Across Texas (HAT): Grants of 5% for VA, FHA, or USDA loans; 3% for conventional loans. No repayment period, no first-time buyer requirement.

What Credit Score Do You Need?

The average credit score in Texas was 692 as of 2025, according to Experian — well within the qualifying range for most programs. FHA loans require a minimum of 580 for the 3.5% down payment option. Conventional loans typically require a 620 minimum. TSAHC programs also require a 620 minimum. VA and USDA loans have no official minimum, though most lenders look for 580 to 620 or higher.

Don't Forget Closing Costs

Beyond the down payment, buyers should plan for closing costs of 2% to 6% of the purchase price. On a $330,000 home, that is an additional $6,600 to $19,800. Many of the Texas assistance programs listed above cover closing costs in addition to the down payment — a benefit buyers often overlook when comparing their options.

Rise Property Group | KW Boerne, Powered by PLACE | Licensed in Texas | therisepropertygroup.com