What Is A Gift Of Equity When Buying A Home May 2026

A licensed appraiser must establish the home's current fair market value to definitively calculate the gift amount for the lender and the IRS.

A occurs when a homeowner sells their property to a family member or close relation at a price significantly below its fair market value. The difference between the home's appraised value and the actual sale price serves as the "gift," which lenders typically treat as the buyer's down payment. How it Works what is a gift of equity when buying a home

Unlike a cash gift where money is transferred to the buyer's bank account, a gift of equity involves no physical cash exchange between the parties. Instead, the seller "donates" a portion of their equity as a credit at closing. Appraised Value: $400,000 Agreed Sale Price: $320,000 Gift of Equity: $80,000 (effectively a 20% down payment). Core Requirements A licensed appraiser must establish the home's current