How much down payment to buy an apartment?

Are you between 25 and 30 years old and want to buy your first apartment? Personal input is a crucial step. It reassures the bank, covers fees and improves your chances of getting a good rate. But how much should we really contribute in 2025? We will explain everything in a simple way, with concrete examples to guide you.

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🧾 Why is input essential?

Banks assess your seriousness before granting a loan. Having a personal contribution demonstrates a capacity to save and reduces their risk. It also makes it possible to cover the costs associated with the purchase: notary, guarantee, insurance. Overall, the contribution facilitates access to credit and can save you money over the life of the loan.

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📊 What minimum contribution should I expect?

A minimum of 10% of the price of the property

In general, institutions require a contribution covering at least 10% of the total price, including ancillary and notary fees. For a €200,000 apartment, that means around €20,000.

This amount can be reduced to 5% for new housing: the costs are often lower.

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A favorable trend in 2025

According to The JDD, in 2025 banks are asking on average 16.6% intake, although some accept 10 to 15%. This shows that financing conditions are softening, especially for first-time buyers.

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🎓 Focus on the numbers: concrete examples

Here are some typical situations for a first time purchase:

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In these examples, a contribution of 10% already makes it possible to be considered serious. Reaching 16.6% even places you in a favorable profile according to banks.

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🧠 How do you complete a contribution when savings are lacking?

There are several alternatives:

Use assisted loans

The PTZ (zero interest loan) is reserved for first-time buyers and can complete the contribution, without generating interest. Other devices such as the Action Logement loan also facilitate financing. A chapter below is dedicated to this topic 👇.

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Calling on the family

A family donation or parental guarantee can strengthen your case, reducing the amount you have to bring yourself.

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Build up a contribution gradually

One Booklet A, a PEA, a PEL or life insurance will help you save over several years. The ideal is to aim at least 10% of intake to give the bank confidence.

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🏦 Why a better contribution leads to a better rate

A higher down payment decreases the amount to be borrowed, improves the credit rate and makes it easier to negotiate. Banks follow the recommendations of the HCSF: a loan limited to 35 years and a debt ratio of 35%, including insurance. With a large contribution, your file will be more solid and you will be able to benefit from more advantageous rates over time.

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📂 Building a good banking record: what banks expect from you

Preparing a good file is as important as the amount of your contribution. Banks will analyze several elements to assess your borrower profile.

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Your income and your professional situation

A permanent contract outside the trial period or a stable activity of more than 2 years is often essential. If you are a freelancer or entrepreneur, a minimum of 2 to 3 solid balance sheets is required. Banks want to ensure that your income covers your monthly expenses, while respecting the maximum debt ratio of 35% insurance included.

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Your expenses and your residual savings

Having a car loan, a student loan or high rents decreases your debt capacity. Banks appreciate that you keep a safety savings after your purchase. This is a real sign of responsible management.

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Your bank accounts

The last three account statements are always requested. Avoid overdrafts, abusive installments, or excessive spending. One healthy management over 3 to 6 months reassures enormously.

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🏗️ What aids can complement your contribution?

Good news: as a first-time buyer, you have access to several aids for lighten your personal effort. These grants can be used as an indirect contribution or reduce the amount to be borrowed.

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PTZ — Zero Rate Loan

The zero interest loan allows you to finance part of your purchase interest-free. It is granted subject to resource conditions and according to the geographical area (A, B1, B2, C).

In 2025, it covers up to 50% of the amount of the new purchase or up to 40% of work in the old one, under conditions.

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Housing Action Loan

If you are an employee of a private company with more than 10 people, you can request a low-rate loan up to €40,000. It can often be combined with a PTZ.

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Local or regional aid

Some cities or regions offer subsidized loans or purchase aids. This is the case in Paris, Toulouse or Strasbourg, to encourage homeownership for young workers. Remember to consult the site of your town hall or region.

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Tax aid for the former with works

In some cases, you can benefit from the Reduced VAT or a reduction in transfer duties if you buy in a development zone or an ANRU sector. This reduces ancillary costs, and therefore the expected contribution.

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🎯 Tip for maximizing your buying capacity

Use an online simulator to determine:

• The minimum contribution amount
• The possible loan according to your income
• The eligible debt ratio

Then, refine with a broker or a real estate hunter. These professionals can optimize your arrangement, anticipate bank responses, and guide you to the goods. in line with your real budget.

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✅ Conclusion

For a first purchase, plan for a down payment of between 10% and 20% Of the price of the property according to the site Empruntis. A 10% contribution already shows your seriousness. A contribution of around 16% facilitates access to the loan and reduces the overall cost. Combine contribution, assisted loans (PTZ, Action Logement) and savings to achieve this objective. With a good plan, you can safely buy your first apartment in 2025.