Free tool
Down payment savings calculator
Enter a target price, the down payment percentage, what is saved so far and what can be saved each month to see how long it takes to reach the goal, with optional closing costs and an optional return. Print or save the schedule for a buyer client. An estimate only. Everything stays in your browser — nothing you type is sent or stored.
Like quick, simple tools? Kadapt turns listing photos into short video reels.
How the time to goal is worked out
The goal is the down payment (the target price times the down payment percentage) plus closing costs (the price times the closing cost percentage). The calculator starts from what is saved now and, month by month, adds the monthly saving and, if you entered a return, interest on the running balance at one twelfth of the yearly rate. It stops in the first month the balance reaches the goal and lists the balance at the end of each year along the way.
Things to say out loud
- An estimate: a steady monthly amount and a steady return are assumptions, not predictions.
- Prices move: if the target price rises while the buyer saves, the goal moves too. Re-run it now and then.
- Down payment programs: some loans need less than 20% down but may add mortgage insurance; a lender can explain the options.
- Not included: moving costs, repairs, emergency savings, and any gift or assistance funds.
Using it with buyers
- Enter the price range they are aiming for and what they can really save each month.
- Try a lower down payment or a higher monthly saving and compare how many months it changes.
- Print the sheet so the buyer has a target date to work toward.
Related: the mortgage payment calculator, the home affordability calculator, the debt-to-income ratio calculator, the home buyer closing cost estimator, the rent vs buy calculator and the first-time home buyer checklist. More in the free tools for real estate agents.
Common questions
How long will it take to save for a down payment?
Divide what is still to save by the monthly saving for a rough answer. The calculator does this month by month and, if you enter a return, adds interest on the growing balance. The goal is the down payment plus, optionally, closing costs.
How much down payment do I need?
It depends on the loan program, the lender and the price. A 20% down payment is often cited because it avoids private mortgage insurance on many conventional loans, but many buyers put down less. Enter the percentage you want to plan for; a lender can say what applies.
Should I include closing costs in my savings goal?
Usually yes: closing costs are paid in cash at closing in addition to the down payment. They vary by area and loan, and 2 to 5% of the price is a common range. The calculator uses 3% by default; change it or set 0 to see the down payment alone.
What return should I use?
The default is 0, which means plain saving. If the money sits in an interest-bearing account you can enter its rate, but returns change and investments can lose value, so treat any non-zero figure as an illustration.
Why does the goal never get reached?
If the monthly saving is 0 or very small compared with the goal, the balance may not reach it within 50 years, which is the limit the calculator checks. Raise the monthly amount, lower the price or down payment, or add a return.
Does the calculator save what I enter?
No. Prices, savings, names and contact details stay in your browser and are not sent to Kadapt, stored, or used in analytics. The only thing counted is that someone pressed the print, PNG or copy button, never what was on the sheet.
Is this financial advice?
No. It is an estimating aid built from the figures you enter. It is not a pre-approval, a loan offer or financial, tax or mortgage advice. Confirm the numbers with a lender or adviser.