How do I know if it's time to buy instead of rent? If you know where you want to live, have a steady and secure income, and are ready for homeownership's responsibilities, then it's a great time to invest in property. How much do I need to save up for a down payment? A conventional loan down payment is usually 20% of the sales price, but other types of financing require as little as 3.5% to 15%. A mortgage lender can tell you what types of loans you qualify for. How do I know