This mortgage down payment requirement calculator helps you determine how much you should put down for a new home. Major factors to consider include purchase price, interest rate, and loan term. You should also consider how long you intend to live in the home. The cost disadvantage of making a smaller down payment is less if you intend to live in the home for only a few years. A larger down payment, resulting in smaller monthly payments, may work to your advantage if you intend to stay in the home for a long period of time.