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Buying a home

Data from November 2026

Buying a home in Oregon

A typical home in Oregon is worth $477,600 (Average 2020–2024). The FHA limit for one unit is $541,287–$762,450 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
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Typical home
$477,600
median value, Average 2020–2024
44% more than the U.S.
FHA limit
$541,287–$762,450
one unit, by county
In 11 of the 36 counties, the limit is above the national floor ($541,287).
Conforming limit
$832,750
one unit, 2026 data
Above this amount, the loan is a “jumbo” loan.
Minimum FHA down payment
$16,716
3.5% of a $477,600 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 $477,600 home, the typical value in Oregon. 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 $477,600 home in Oregon

  1. FHA Program rule

    Minimum down3.5%

    In dollars$16,716

    Per month$3,122

    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$14,328

    Per month$3,138

    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$3,235

    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$3,235

    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$71,640

    Per month$2,750

    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: 11 of the 36 counties in Oregon 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

Oregon programs for buyers

1 verified program 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

  • OHCS Down Payment Assistance

    Verified November 5, 2026

    Oregon state funds for the down payment and closing costs, delivered by local organizations: up to $60,000 or 20% of the price, sometimes as a grant or as a forgivable second mortgage, for first-time or first-generation buyers with income up to 100% of the area median

    • Grant
    • Forgivable
    See details

What the state publishes

Oregon 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 Oregon

Exemptions and caps

  • 3 percent cap on maximum assessed value (Measure 50)

    Your property's maximum assessed value rises at most 3 percent a year over the prior assessed value. You are taxed on the lesser of that maximum and the real market value.

    ORS 308.146(1)-(2) · Oregon Legislature (Oregon Revised Statutes) · Verified October 23, 2026

  • Property tax deferral for senior and disabled homeowners (apply by April 15)

    If you are a qualifying senior or disabled homeowner, you can borrow from the State of Oregon to pay your property taxes: the Department of Revenue pays the county on November 15 each year. For 2026, the household income limit is $70,000. Deferred amounts accrue 6 percent interest a year (not compounded) and a lien is placed on the property. You apply with the county assessor by April 15, or late from April 16 to December 1 with a fee.

    Oregon Department of Revenue · Verified October 31, 2026

  • Disabled veteran or surviving spouse exemption (claim by April 1)

    A disabled veteran, or a veteran's surviving spouse or registered domestic partner, may exempt $27,092 or $32,512 of the home's assessed value (January 2026 amounts; they rise 3 percent a year). Generally a certified disability of 40 percent or more is required. The publication says that to qualify the veteran must be a U.S. citizen discharged under honorable conditions, and you must own and live in the home. The claim goes to the county assessor by April 1 before the tax year.

    ORS 307.250–307.283 · Oregon Department of Revenue (Publication 150-310-676, January 2026) · Verified October 31, 2026

When the sale is recorded

  • The constitution bars real estate transfer taxes

    Neither the state nor cities or counties may charge a tax or fee on transferring property, except those already in effect on December 31, 2009 (in practice, Washington County's tax). There is no state transfer tax when you buy a home in Oregon.

    Or. Const. art. IX, §15 · Oregon Legislature (Oregon Constitution) · Verified October 23, 2026

Your next steps

Where to go next in Oregon

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 Oregon 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

    25 HUD-approved agencies help you prepare to buy; 18 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 Oregon?

For a $477,600 home (typical value, Average 2020–2024), the FHA minimum (3.5%) is $16,716 and the conventional minimum (3%) is $14,328. VA and USDA ask no down payment if you qualify. State programs can cover part of it.

Are there high-cost counties in Oregon?

Yes. In 2026 data, 11 of the 36 counties in Oregon have an FHA limit above the national floor ($541,287); the highest is Hood River County ($762,450).

What is the conforming loan limit in Oregon?

In 2026 data, the conforming limit for one unit is $832,750 in every county in Oregon: 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 Oregon?

With $477,600, the FHA minimum down payment ($16,716) and the 7.18% average rate (November 5, 2026), principal and interest over 30 years comes to about $3,122 a month. Tax, insurance and mortgage insurance are missing: the calculator adds them.

What down payment help is there in Oregon?

We have verified 1 state program in Oregon 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.