In today's housing market, a 20% down payment may no longer be enough to afford a home. With home values up 45% since the pandemic and mortgage payments 115% higher, Zillow's analysis reveals that homebuyers need to put down 35.4% of the home's value to comfortably afford monthly payments. In some areas like Los Angeles, a median-income household would need an impossible 81.1% down payment to afford a home, while in New York City, a 60% down payment is necessary. Across the country, many struggle to save even a 20% down payment, with the typical down payment for first-time buyers at just 8%. Many rely on family or friends for financial help. Only 10 out of 50 major metropolitan areas allow a median-income household to put less than 20% down and still afford a home. These areas, mainly in the Midwest, may not remain affordable for much longer.