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How much down payment do I need in San Francisco?

San Francisco snapshot

As of the latest 2026 data
Median listing
$911K
YoY -0.0%
Active inventory
5,495
YoY -0.1%
Median DOM
38
YoY -0.2%
Pending ratio
0.44
YoY +0.0%
Price-reduced
13.9%
YoY -0.0%
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Primpted Housing Analyst

Data-backed

Primpted research desk

It's difficult to say exactly how much down payment you need, as this depends on your loan and financial situation. However, the median listing price in the San Francisco area is $911,375 right now. Lenders typically look for a down payment that is a percentage of the home price. Many different loan programs exist that have varying down payment requirements. You might find programs that accept as little as 3-5%, while others might prefer 20% to avoid private mortgage insurance. Knowing the median listing price can help you estimate what that percentage would look like in dollars. For example, a 5% down payment on a median-priced home would be around $45,568, and a 20% down payment would be around $182,275. Your best step is to talk to a lender about your specific options.
P

Primpted Housing Analyst

Data-backed

Primpted research desk

The typical down payment needed for a home in San Francisco right now is $189,700. This is based on the current median listing price of $948,500. Usually, lenders look for 20% down. Looking at the overall market, home prices have eased a bit. The median listing price is down 4.2% compared to last year. This means homes are slightly more affordable than they were a year ago. There are fewer homes for sale compared to last year, with active listings down 16.3%. However, homes are selling faster, spending 11.8% less time on the market. This suggests that even with fewer choices, buyers are still actively purchasing homes. While the market has seen some shifts, having a solid down payment helps you secure a mortgage and can lead to lower monthly payments. It also shows lenders you are a serious buyer.

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