“Buying a House Requires a Big Down Payment.” Is That True?

“Buying a House Requires a Big Down Payment.” Is That True?

19 October 2026

A bigger down payment can indeed make installments lighter

Simply put, the larger the down payment paid, the smaller the amount that needs to be financed.

For example, say a house is priced at Rp700 million.

If the down payment paid is larger, the remaining loan amount becomes smaller.

However, that doesn't mean a bigger down payment is always better.

There are other considerations that need to be looked at.

Don't let all your savings run out

Imagine you've spent a long time saving up to buy a house.

Then almost all of your savings are used to pay the down payment.

The house does get bought successfully.

But after that, there are still other costs to think about.

From transaction fees, moving expenses, furniture, renovation, to daily needs.

Don't let it happen that the house is bought, but your financial condition becomes too tight.

A small down payment also has consequences

On the other hand, a smaller down payment doesn't automatically mean it's easier.

A larger loan amount means the installments also need to be carefully calculated.

So, don't just look at:

“How big a down payment do I need to prepare?”

But also look at:

“How much monthly installment can I still comfortably pay?”

Try calculating from your installment capacity

Rather than choosing a house based only on the amount of savings you have, try starting from your financial capacity instead.

For example, you already have an idea of how much monthly installment still makes sense for you.

From that figure, you can start looking at the price range of houses and financing options that fit.

That way, the down payment isn't the only benchmark.

Don't forget the costs after buying

Once the house is bought, the expenses aren't over yet.

There's electricity, water, internet, home maintenance, furniture, and other needs.

The amount will of course differ for each person and each house.

That's why, the money you have shouldn't all be allocated to the down payment.

There still needs to be room for needs after the house is occupied.

Your first home doesn't have to be perfect

Sometimes people wait too long, until they feel they have “big enough” money to buy their ideal house.

In fact, what's more important is finding a house that fits your capacity and needs.

It doesn't have to be the biggest house.

It doesn't have to have every facility.

What matters is that the buyer understands their financial capacity and the consequences of that choice.

So, do you need a big down payment?

Not always.

The size of the down payment needs to be viewed together with the house price, installment amount, additional costs, and overall financial condition.

A bigger down payment can offer certain advantages.

But a smaller down payment can also be an option as long as the financing fits your capacity.

What matters isn't just being able to pay the down payment, but also being able to keep up with the installments.

In conclusion

Buying a house doesn't always have to wait until you have a very large down payment.

Before making a decision, look at the whole picture:

Down payment → installments → additional costs → needs after buying.

Because buying a house isn't just about how the house can be owned.

But also about how the house remains comfortable to live in after it's owned.

Looking for a House in Semarang (三宝垄)?

If you're looking for a house, don't just compare prices and down payment amounts.

Also consider your installment capacity, additional costs, location, house condition, and long-term needs.

Mirailand is ready to help you find property options in Semarang (三宝垄) that suit your needs and budget.

Mirailand — helping you find the right place to come home to.