Can I buy an investment property with 10% down?
Answered by Onias Derilus, Mortgage Capital · NMLS# 1859012 · Florida licensed mortgage broker
Sometimes. A standard conventional investment loan requires 15% to 25% down, but certain programs and a multi-unit property you'll partly occupy can get you in for less. Pure 10%-down investment financing is limited.
If 10% is your ceiling, house-hacking a duplex with an FHA or conventional owner-occupied loan, or a DSCR loan with a strong-cash-flow property, may be the realistic route. We'll lay out what 10% actually buys you.
The down payment reality
Most conventional investment loans want 15% to 25% down, so 10% is tough on a standard loan. Lenders see rentals as higher risk than a home you live in, which raises the down payment.
One workaround is house hacking: buy a two-to-four unit with FHA at 3.5% down, live in one unit, and rent the rest.
Lower-down strategies
If you live in the property, low-down options open up. For a pure rental, expect a bigger down payment, though a DSCR loan can sometimes go as low as 15% to 20%.
There is usually a smart path in. Reach out and we will find the lowest down payment for your investment goal.