Can I buy a $1.7 million home with less than $100,000 down?

by Alessandra Imanabadi

By Alessandra Imanabadi · Nationwide Fine Homes

Possibly through a suitable specialized structure, but do not build the search around that possibility until a lender has reviewed your actual file.

With $85,000 down, a $1.7 million purchase requires $1,615,000 of financing before other costs. That exceeds the 2026 one-unit high-cost conforming ceiling of $1,249,125.

A small down payment does not remove the rest of the requirements

You still need closing costs, any required reserves and sufficient qualifying income. Jumbo lenders set their own programs; 10%–20% down may be common in particular offerings, but is not a universal rule or a promise that a lower-down program exists for you.

Explore the available resources honestly

A properly documented family gift, sale of investments or a permitted first-and-second-loan structure may change the picture. Each affects qualification and cash flow differently. The second loan does not disappear from the monthly payment simply because the first loan is under a limit.

If your entire savings are under $100,000, distinguish that from having under $100,000 earmarked for the down payment with additional reserves elsewhere.

Show the seller a financing plan that holds together

A larger down payment can reassure a seller, but verified preparation and clear funding matter too. A reassuring letter without the required review will not repair a structure the lender cannot complete.

Your agent should know the difference between a program worth investigating and a buying range you can rely on.

I would be pleased to help connect the property goal with the right mortgage expertise. You can explore the possibilities before making a commitment based on an untested number.