how much to put down on a house raleigh

First-time buyer down payment Raleigh NC minimums range from 0% to 3.5% depending on loan type — but the average buyer in Raleigh put down 13% in 2025, not 3% or 20%. At Raleigh’s $430,000 median, 3% is $12,900; total cash to close typically runs $21,000 to $26,000 before reserves. Down payment assistance programs through the City of Raleigh and NCHFA can contribute $15,000 to $65,000 for eligible buyers, with income and purchase price limits that apply. Kevin Martini and Logan Martini of Martini Mortgage Group help buyers across Raleigh, Wake County, and the Triangle model the full cash-to-close picture — not just the down payment — before they settle on a target number.