Español

Este sitio también está en español. Leer en español

Buying a home

Data from November 2026

Buying a home in Colorado

A typical home in Colorado is worth $539,400 (Average 2020–2024). The FHA limit for one unit is $541,287–$1,249,125 depending on the county. Here is the minimum down payment each loan type asks at that price, every county’s limit, and the state’s assistance programs.

Minimum down payment Limits by county
WhatsApp
Typical home
$539,400
median value, Average 2020–2024
62% more than the U.S.
FHA limit
$541,287–$1,249,125
one unit, by county
In 29 of the 64 counties, the limit is above the national floor ($541,287).
Conforming limit
$832,750
up to $1,249,125 in high-cost areas
Above this amount, the loan is a “jumbo” loan.
Minimum FHA down payment
$18,879
3.5% of a $539,400 home
VA and USDA ask for no down payment if you qualify.

Source: American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Average 2020–2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Source: FHA mortgage limits (HUD) Data from 2026 data FHA mortgage limits (HUD) Source: Conforming loan limits (FHFA) Data from 2026 data Conforming loan limits (FHFA)

Down payment

How much each loan asks up front

For a $539,400 home, the typical value in Colorado. The minimum down payment is each program’s rule. The monthly figure is an example of principal and interest over 30 years at the 7.18% average rate (November 5, 2026): no taxes, insurance or mortgage insurance.

Your price, rate and down payment will differ: run the calculator with your numbers. Closing costs are extra.

Minimum down payment and monthly payment for a $539,400 home in Colorado

  1. FHA Program rule

    Minimum down3.5%

    In dollars$18,879

    Per month$3,526

    With a credit score of 580 or more. Carries mortgage insurance (MIP) up front and every month.

    HUD Handbook 4000.1 (Update 18), II.A.2.a.iv — Minimum Required Investment · In effect since September 14, 2016

  2. Conventional Program rule

    Minimum down3%

    In dollars$16,182

    Per month$3,544

    3% is the lowest standard option. With less than 20% down you pay private mortgage insurance (PMI) until you have more equity.

    Fannie Mae Selling Guide B5-6-01 — HomeReady Mortgage Loan and Borrower Eligibility · In effect since January 1, 2024

  3. VA Program rule

    Minimum down0%

    In dollars$0

    Per month$3,654

    For veterans, service members and some spouses. No down payment as long as the price is not above the appraisal; charges a one-time funding fee.

    VA: Purchase loan — benefits · In effect since January 1, 2020

  4. USDA Program rule

    Minimum down0%

    In dollars$0

    Per month$3,654

    Only homes in eligible rural areas and households within USDA’s income limit. Finances the full price.

    7 CFR §3555.103 — Maximum loan amount (Guaranteed Rural Housing Program) · In effect since December 9, 2013

  5. ITIN or other Example, not a rule

    Minimum down15%

    In dollars$80,910

    Per month$3,106

    ITIN loans follow no federal rule: each lender sets its own down payment and rate, and usually asks for more. 15% is an example.

Loan limits

FHA and conforming limit in every county

FHA sets the limit by area: 29 of the 64 counties in Colorado are high-cost and sit above the national floor ($541,287). The conforming limit is the most Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will buy; above it, the loan is a “jumbo”.

One unit. For 2- to 4-unit homes, each county page has the full table. Source: FHA mortgage limits (HUD) Data from 2026 data FHA mortgage limits (HUD)

Down payment help

Colorado programs for buyers

2 verified programs that put money toward the down payment or closing costs, or give a tax credit. With the source wording and the date we checked it.

Some help is a grant you never repay; other help is a second loan that is forgiven over the years or repaid when you sell. Each program’s tag says which kind it is.

See all programs

  • CHFA Down Payment Assistance

    Verified November 5, 2026

    Colorado state agency help with the down payment or closing costs: a grant of up to 3% of the mortgage or a deferred second mortgage of up to 4%, both capped at $25,000

    • Grant
    • Deferred
    See details

  • CHFA FirstGeneration

    Open, per the source

    Verified November 5, 2026

    $25,000 from the Colorado state agency for the down payment of first-generation buyers (neither you nor your parents have owned a home); repaid when you sell, refinance or pay off the mortgage

    • Deferred
    See details

What the state publishes

Colorado rules that change the math

Exemptions that lower property tax and taxes paid when the deed is recorded, summarized from the official page each one cites.

Property tax in Colorado

Exemptions and caps

  • Senior homestead exemption (owners 65 and older)

    If you are 65 or older and have owned and lived in the home as your primary residence for the previous 10 years (or are the surviving spouse of someone who qualified), 50 percent of the first $200,000 of the home's actual value is exempt. You apply to the county assessor.

    C.R.S. §39-3-203(1) · Colorado General Assembly (Colorado Revised Statutes 2024, Title 39) · Verified October 23, 2026

  • Exemption for veterans with a service-connected disability

    Veterans who qualify with a service-connected disability (and qualifying surviving spouses) may have 50 percent of the first $200,000 of their primary residence's actual value exempted. There is no age requirement, but you need the required VA-approved disability rating, and you must own and live in the home as of January 1.

    Colorado Division of Property Taxation (Department of Local Affairs) · Verified October 31, 2026

When the sale is recorded

  • Documentary fee when the deed is recorded

    Colorado has no transfer tax; when the deed is recorded a documentary fee of one cent per $100 of the price is paid when the price is over $500. The county clerk and recorder collects it.

    C.R.S. §39-13-102(2)(b), (3) · Colorado General Assembly (Colorado Revised Statutes 2024, Title 39) · Verified October 23, 2026

Your next steps

Where to go next in Colorado

What you can do today, free and without giving personal information. Go in order: your numbers first, then the help.

  1. Run the numbers with your figures

    The Colorado calculator already has the typical value, the average rate and the state’s property tax.

  2. Check whether you qualify for help

    Each program says what it gives, who qualifies and when we checked it.

  3. Talk to a counselor for free

    26 HUD-approved agencies help you prepare to buy; 14 say they serve in Spanish.

  4. Follow the steps to buy a home

    From the budget to the keys, in order.

Frequently asked questions

How much down payment do I need for a typical home in Colorado?

For a $539,400 home (typical value, Average 2020–2024), the FHA minimum (3.5%) is $18,879 and the conventional minimum (3%) is $16,182. VA and USDA ask no down payment if you qualify. State programs can cover part of it.

Are there high-cost counties in Colorado?

Yes. In 2026 data, 29 of the 64 counties in Colorado have an FHA limit above the national floor ($541,287); the highest is Pitkin County ($1,249,125).

What is the conforming loan limit in Colorado?

In 2026 data, the conforming limit for one unit runs from $832,750 to $1,249,125 depending on the county in Colorado: the most Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will buy. Above it, the loan is a “jumbo” and each lender sets its own terms.

What would the monthly payment be on a typical home in Colorado?

With $539,400, the FHA minimum down payment ($18,879) and the 7.18% average rate (November 5, 2026), principal and interest over 30 years comes to about $3,526 a month. Tax, insurance and mortgage insurance are missing: the calculator adds them.

What down payment help is there in Colorado?

We have verified 2 state programs in Colorado that put money toward the down payment or closing costs, or give a tax credit. Each shows the source wording, who qualifies and the date we checked it.