How Much Down Payment Does an International Buyer Need?
By JC Pacific Corp Published 2026-09-01 Last professionally reviewed: September 2026
There is no universal down payment for international buyers. The requirement depends on the lender, borrower profile, property type, intended use, loan amount, documentation, and available reserves.
What can affect the requirement?
- Primary, second-home, or investment use
- Condominium or single-family property
- Loan size
- Foreign or U.S. income
- Credit documentation
- Liquid reserves
- Entity ownership
- Debt obligations
- Visa or residency status when relevant
- Currency and transfer risk
- Appraisal result
What other cash is needed?
In addition to the down payment, budget for:
- Closing costs
- Prepaid taxes and insurance
- Lender-required reserves
- Inspection and appraisal costs
- HOA charges
- Repairs and furnishings
- International transfer expenses
- Currency fluctuations
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the deposit the same as the down payment?
No. Earnest money is generally an initial contract deposit that may be credited toward funds due at closing.
Can borrowed money be used?
Only when properly disclosed and accepted by the lender.
Can the seller provide all closing costs?
Seller credits are limited by the contract, loan program, appraisal, and lender rules.
Educational information
Down-payment requirements are not standardized across foreign-national programs.
Ask the lender for a written cash-to-close estimate that includes reserves and international transfer costs.
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JC Pacific Corp is an Irvine-based Southern California brokerage helping buyers navigate offers, escrow, and financing. Tell us what you are looking for and we will point you to current options across the region.
A note on legal advice: These guides provide general, educational information about California real estate practice. They are not legal advice and do not create an attorney-client relationship. Mortgage information is general education, not individualized lending, tax or legal guidance. For advice about your specific offer, contract, closing or financing, consult a qualified California real estate attorney and a qualified mortgage professional.
A note on these international-buyer guides: These articles provide general, educational information about buying California real estate as an international buyer. They are not legal, immigration, tax, lending, banking, currency, or financial advice. Property ownership, citizenship, immigration status, tax residency, financing, and physical occupancy are separate concepts and should be planned with the appropriate professionals. No article guarantees financing, an ITIN, a bank account, a funds transfer, a closing, tax treatment, or reporting compliance, and none should be read as advice to divide, disguise, or structure transactions to avoid lawful reporting or review. Verify current IRS, California Franchise Tax Board, FinCEN, OFAC, and CFIUS rules with qualified advisers for the transaction date. Buyers purchasing remotely or from outside the United States can request brokerage assistance in English, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese.