Massachusetts Down Payment Calculator 2026 — How Much to Save
Last updated: April 2026 · Source: Zillow, Freddie Mac, Tax Foundation
Quick Answer
For the Massachusetts median home price of $590,000, you need: $17,700 for a 3% conventional loan, $20,650 for FHA (3.5%), $59,000 for 10% down (lower PMI), or $118,000 for 20% (no PMI). VA and USDA loans offer 0% down for eligible buyers.
Massachusetts Housing & Mortgage Data
| Median Home Price | $590,000 |
| 30-Year Fixed Rate | 6.90%(State average, Apr 2026) |
| Property Tax Rate | 1.12%(Effective rate) |
| Avg HO Insurance | $1,600/yr ($133/mo) |
| Typical Down Payment | 12% ($70,800) |
| Median Household Income | $86,000/yr |
Key Facts for Massachusetts
- ✓Massachusetts median home price is $590,000 as of 2026
- ✓30-year fixed mortgage rates in Massachusetts average 6.90%
- ✓Property taxes in Massachusetts are 1.12% — near the national average of 1.10%
- ✓Homeowners insurance averages $1,600/year in Massachusetts
- ✓A household earning $147,500/year can typically afford the median Massachusetts home
More Massachusetts Calculators
Frequently Asked Questions — Down Payment Calculator in Massachusetts
- Are there down payment assistance programs in Massachusetts?
- Yes. Massachusetts offers state-level down payment assistance (DPA) programs through its Housing Finance Agency. Programs typically offer 2–5% of the purchase price as a forgivable grant or low-interest second loan for first-time buyers who meet income and purchase price limits. Search "Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency" for current programs.
- Is a 20% down payment required to buy a home in Massachusetts?
- No. The 20% down payment is a myth. Conventional loans start at 3% down, FHA loans at 3.5% down, and VA/USDA loans offer 0% down for eligible buyers. The tradeoff: anything below 20% requires PMI on a conventional loan. On a $590,000 home, 20% down is $118,000 vs $17,700 for 3% down.
- What is the average mortgage payment in Massachusetts?
- The average monthly mortgage payment (principal + interest) in Massachusetts is approximately $3,419 for a $519,200 loan at 6.90% over 30 years. Adding property tax ($551/mo) and homeowners insurance ($133/mo) brings total PITI to about $4,103/month.
- What credit score do I need for a mortgage in Massachusetts?
- Most Massachusetts lenders require a minimum 620 credit score for conventional loans and 580 for FHA loans (with 3.5% down). For the best rates in Massachusetts, aim for 740+. A higher score can reduce your rate by 0.5–1.0%, saving $77,880 over the life of a 30-year loan.
- How much down payment is required to buy a home in Massachusetts?
- You can buy a home in Massachusetts with as little as 0% down (VA, USDA loans for eligible buyers), 3% down (conventional), or 3.5% down (FHA). On the Massachusetts median home price of $590,000, a 20% down payment is $118,000 and lets you avoid PMI. Massachusetts also has state-level down payment assistance programs for first-time buyers.
- What are current mortgage rates in Massachusetts?
- Current 30-year fixed mortgage rates in Massachusetts average 6.90% as of April 2026. 15-year fixed rates are typically 0.5–0.75% lower. Rates vary by lender, credit score, and loan-to-value ratio. Compare at least 3–5 lenders to ensure you get the best Massachusetts mortgage rate.
- What is the property tax rate in Massachusetts?
- Massachusetts's effective property tax rate is 1.12%. On the Massachusetts median home value of $590,000, annual property taxes are approximately $6,608 ($551/month). Property taxes in Massachusetts are typically escrowed in your monthly mortgage payment.