All you need to know about down payment

A down payment is a common term that you hear when purchasing expensive products with a loan. Used while buying a house, a car, or other expensive items, a down payment has ramifications for lenders and borrowers.

A down payment is not just a mere formality to qualify for a loan. It is also a reflection of the borrower's financial status and credibility, and it might have a long-term impact on your borrowing rates. Thus, it is important to understand how down payments operate so you can make the best financial decision possible.

Let’s explore what a down payment is.

What is a down payment?
 

A down payment is an initial, one-time payment you make when making a big purchase such as a home or car. You can use various methods like cash, check, credit card, or online transactions to pay it. This payment lowers the total amount you will need to borrow from a lender. In fact, IDFC FIRST Bank gives you the freedom to decide the amount of down payment you want to make. Most products, even high-cost items like smartphones and laptops, can be financed entirely through IDFC FIRST Bank. The interest rate is among the lowest in the market, although it depends on your credit score.

How much should you put down as a down payment?
 

Sometimes, you, and not the seller, decide the down payment amount. While the ball is in your court, you are advised to consider other expenses before choosing the amount. Some people believe in paying the greater share as a down payment, whereas others insist on paying a small amount as a down payment.

That said, the decision to not make a down payment is not always up to you. Certain lenders impose a minimum down payment requirement (but you can pay more if you like). They do so to reduce their risk. The more down payment a borrower makes, the less risky he or she is for the lender. Paying more down payment also ensures that you do not have to worry about your property or car being seized by the lender to reclaim their money.

Down payments might have a psychological effect as well. They signify to the lenders that you have something to lose. This positive sign of your ability to repay the loan boosts your chances of getting future financing approved.

What is a down payment calculator?
 

Calculating the amount of money you need to make a down payment on a house or any other big-ticket item is not easy. However, with the help of a down payment calculator, you can do it instantly. It is a useful tool that helps you calculate the amount of money you will need to put down on a house or any other expensive item when you apply for a loan. It also helps you calculate your EMIs.

The down payment calculator has a formula section where you can enter the asset's overall value, the down payment proportion, the loan rate of interest, the processing costs, and the loan term in years. The down payment calculator displays the down payment amount and the loan EMI to pay back the loan.

The down payment calculator saves you time and provides clear insights. Through just a few basic details, it instantly gives you accurate information, allowing you to budget wisely and make calculated decisions.

How do down payments work?
 

A buyer makes a down payment as their initial investment in a purchase. It can be a property, vehicle, etc. For example, if you buy a house for Rs.1 crore and pay Rs.10 lakh as a down payment, that upfront payment covers 10% of the total cost. You finance the rest through a loan. Making a larger down payment usually leads to smaller monthly payments. Lenders view a larger down payment as a sign of your financial commitment, which lowers their risk. So, they may offer better interest rates as part of their loan terms.

However, carefully assess your financial situation before you choose the size of your down payment. Pay what you can realistically afford to minimise future financial stress.

Types of down payment
 

Down payments vary based on what you buy. Let's explore some types:

Home purchase
 

Typically, home buyers in India pay around 10% to 20% of the property's cost upfront. Some opt for a small percentage, while others pay more to reduce their loan amount. Different banks have different criteria. Typically, the higher the down payment, the lower will be the monthly EMI. This can lead to less burden in the long run.

Auto purchase
 

Cars, bikes, or scooters, all need some initial payment. The remainder gets converted into monthly instalments. Dealerships and banks set the minimum down payment. For most vehicles, buyers provide around 10% to 30% of the vehicle's cost upfront. Some go lower while others choose a larger down payment to reduce their EMI burdens.

Gold
 

Gold holds special value in Indian culture. Many now opt for easy monthly instalments (EMI) to buy gold jewelleries. Here, the down payment becomes crucial. The upfront amount can vary based on the jewellery value, buyer's creditworthiness, and specific loan terms.

Benefits of a large down payment
 

A substantial down payment can have significant advantages:

• Lower monthly bills 
  
  

  A big down payment reduces your monthly instalments. Whether you buy a car, gold, or a house, paying more upfront cuts down your future payments.

• Interest savings
  
  

  With a reduced loan amount, you pay less interest. Over time, this means significant savings, especially for big purchases like homes.

• Better loan approval chances
  
  

  A large down payment may make the lender view you as a less risky borrower, leading to quicker and more favourable loan terms.

• Ownership comes faster
  
  

  A large down payment means you will own your asset, be it a car, gold, or home sooner. It's always a good feeling to hold a clear title to your possessions.

• Negotiation power
  
  

  A big payment can boost your bargaining power. Be it a car dealer or a home seller, they might offer you better deals, discounts, or perks based on how you negotiate.

As you can see, a high down payment can lead to lower monthly expenses, quicker ownership, decreased interest expenses, more favourable loan conditions, and enhanced financial stability.

Paying off a loan
 

A down payment is the initial payment made to secure a loan for a purchase. Paying off a loan means repaying what you borrowed, plus any interest, over a predetermined period. So, while a down payment decreases your loan amount initially, completing your loan payments ends your financial commitment.

Disclaimer

The contents of this article/infographic/picture/video are meant solely for information purposes. The contents are generic in nature and for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your own circumstances. The information is subject to updation, completion, revision, verification and amendment and the same may change materially. The information is not intended for distribution or use by any person in any jurisdiction where such distribution or use would be contrary to law or regulation or would subject IDFC FIRST Bank or its affiliates to any licensing or registration requirements. IDFC FIRST Bank shall not be responsible for any direct/indirect loss or liability incurred by the reader for taking any financial decisions based on the contents and information mentioned. Please consult your financial advisor before making any financial decision.