San Antonio Ranks Fastest in the Nation to Save for a Home Down Payment, According to Realtor.com® Report
As housing affordability continues to weigh heavily on Americans across the country, San Antonio stands out as a rare bright spot. According to a new analysis from Realtor.com®, San Antonio ranks #1 in the nation for the shortest time it takes to save for a down payment on a home—just 1.3 years, far below the national average of seven years in 2025.
The report, released December 29, 2025, highlights the contrast between high-cost coastal cities and more attainable Southern metros. While places like San Francisco and San Jose require upwards of 36 years to save enough for a standard down payment, San Antonio’s combination of moderate home prices and solid household income make it the most accessible large market for prospective homebuyers.
Why San Antonio is Leading the Way
In a year where the U.S. median down payment reached $30,400, San Antonio’s typical down payment came in at just $5,067—drastically easing the path to homeownership. The city’s median household income of $77,385, combined with a U.S. average personal savings rate of 5.1%, puts annual savings around $3,921, making that target reachable in just over a year.
This exceptional affordability places San Antonio well ahead of other major Texas metros like Houston (3.5 years), Dallas (not listed in the top or bottom), and Austin, which tends to follow national trends more closely due to its rapidly rising home prices.
Military families and veterans in San Antonio—home to Joint Base San Antonio and a large active and retired military population—may also benefit from VA loan programs, which often eliminate the need for a down payment altogether. This makes closing costs the primary upfront savings goal for many, further reducing the barrier to buying a home.
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The Broader National Picture
Nationally, down payment savings timelines have improved from the peak of 12 years in 2022 to seven years in 2025. This shift is thanks in part to cooling home prices and slightly improved affordability, according to Danielle Hale, chief economist at Realtor.com®.
“Although conditions have improved since 2022, today's timeline shows that saving for a home takes meaningfully longer than it did before the pandemic, especially in high-cost markets,” Hale said.
In the most expensive markets, such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York City, the time needed to save can exceed 20 to 35 years, effectively pricing out many moderate-income and first-time buyers.
“In high-cost markets, the typical down payment alone exceeds a full year of household income,” said Hannah Jones, senior economic research analyst at Realtor.com®. “That reality makes homeownership feel unattainable for many buyers, particularly younger households trying to enter the market for the first time.”
Homeownership Still a Key American Dream
Despite ongoing affordability concerns, homeownership remains a priority. Realtor.com® notes that roughly three-quarters of Americans still view owning a home as part of the American dream. Experts suggest that even modest, consistent savings can lay the groundwork for future buying power—especially in regions like San Antonio where the timeline is more realistic.
“Saving consistently, even in small amounts, is a meaningful first step toward homeownership,” added Jones. “In today’s market, building that financial cushion can make a real difference when buyers are ready to act.”
San Antonio’s Housing Advantage
For San Antonio-area residents, this latest data offers a glimmer of hope in an otherwise challenging national housing market. The city’s strong military presence, growing job market, and relatively stable housing prices make it a top destination for families and individuals seeking to buy their first home or relocate from pricier metros.
And with rents beginning to ease and options like VA loans or first-time buyer programs available, 2026 could be the perfect year for many San Antonians to turn their homeownership dreams into reality.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.