How Much Money Do You Need for a Down Payment in New Hampshire?
- Jim Johnson
- Nov 15, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Jan 28

🏡 How Much Money Do You Need for a Down Payment in New Hampshire?
One of the biggest myths in real estate is that you need 20% down to buy a home.
In New Hampshire — especially in areas like Plymouth, Campton, Thornton, Rumney, Bristol, and Ashland — most buyers put down far less.
Here’s exactly how much you really need for a down payment in NH.
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Down Payment Requirements in New Hampshire (2025)
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USDA Loan — 0% Down
USDA is extremely popular in rural NH towns.
Requirements:
0% down
Income limits apply
Property must be in an eligible location
Many areas outside Plymouth, Bristol, and Ashland qualify.
✔
VA Loan — 0% Down
For eligible veterans:
0% down
No PMI
Flexible credit requirements
VA is one of the best loan options in NH.
✔
FHA Loan — 3.5% Down
If your credit score is 580+, FHA only requires 3.5% down.
Buyers with a 500–579 score need 10% down.
Great for older NH homes and rural properties.
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Conventional Loan — 3%–5% Down
Most conventional buyers in NH put down:
3% (first-time buyers)
5% (most standard loans)
Higher down payments may reduce PMI and monthly payments.
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Average Down Payment for NH Homebuyers
Most buyers in New Hampshire put down:
👉 3%–5% down
20% down is uncommon unless purchasing:
A second home
A luxury property
An investment property
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How Much Down Payment Do You Actually Need?
🏠 $300,000 home
3% down → $9,000
3.5% down → $10,500
5% down → $15,000
🏠 $400,000 home
3% down → $12,000
3.5% down → $14,000
5% down → $20,000
🏠 $500,000 home
3% down → $15,000
3.5% down → $17,500
5% down → $25,000
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Down Payment Assistance in NH
Some buyers qualify for:
NH Housing assistance
First-time buyer programs
Closing cost help
County-specific incentives
These can reduce upfront cost dramatically.
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Q&A
Q: How much money do you need for a down payment in NH?
A: Most buyers only need 0%–5% down, depending on the loan type.
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Jim Johnson Real Estate
Phone: 857-249-7392
Serving Plymouth, Campton & Central New Hampshire
Brokered by Three Hills Real Estate Service



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