How much deposit do you need in Moldova?
The deposit (down payment) is the amount you pay from your own funds when buying a property. It is the difference between the property price and the mortgage loan amount granted by the bank.
Minimum deposit requirements in Moldova
Most Moldovan banks require a minimum deposit of 15–20% of the property value for standard mortgage loans.
The state programme Prima Casă allows a smaller deposit of 5–10%, supported by a state guarantee on part of the loan.
For construction loans, banks typically require a higher deposit of 20–25% due to the increased risk.
For refinancing an existing loan, the deposit can be 0% if the property security covers the value of the new loan.
Why does the deposit matter?
The deposit directly affects several loan parameters: a larger deposit reduces LTV (loan-to-value ratio), which can unlock lower interest rates and better conditions. It also reduces the total amount borrowed, lowering the monthly payment and total interest paid. A solid deposit demonstrates to the bank that you are a serious and creditworthy borrower.
Comparative example
Property worth 1,500,000 MDL, 9% interest, 25-year term. With 15% deposit (225,000 MDL): loan 1,275,000 MDL, payment ~10,700 MDL/month. With 25% deposit (375,000 MDL): loan 1,125,000 MDL, payment ~9,450 MDL/month. The extra deposit (150,000 MDL) reduces the monthly payment by ~1,250 MDL and saves ~375,000 MDL in interest over the loan term.
How to save for a deposit?
Open a separate account for the deposit and transfer a fixed amount monthly. Automating savings makes the process easier.
Identify non-essential expenses and redirect the saved amount towards the deposit.
Freelancing, a side job, or selling unused assets can speed up deposit accumulation.
Some banks accept a deposit in the form of a family gift, provided it is properly documented.
Tip
Even if the minimum is 15%, try to save 20–25% if possible. The difference in total loan cost over 25 years can amount to several hundred thousand MDL.