FHA loans require 3.5%, and a typical conventional loan requires 5%. There are also housing programs in some areas that will help with a down payment. For examp

FHA loans require 3.5%, and a typical conventional loan requires 5%. There are also housing programs in some areas that will help with a down payment. For example, the House Charlotte program recently contributed $7500 towards a home for a friend of mine. 20% is only required if you don't want to pay private mortgage insurance.