How to Use the Pre-Construction Deposit Estimator
The US has no equivalent to Korea's national subscription deposit system — there's no government-set savings account balance you need to reach before you're eligible to buy a new-construction home. Instead, when you reserve or contract to buy a pre-construction or new-construction condo, you pay a reservation deposit or earnest money directly to the builder or an escrow account, and the required amount is set by that specific project, not by any national rule.
Reservation deposits commonly start around 5% at the initial reservation stage, rising to a standard 10% once you sign the purchase contract. Higher-end or luxury developments sometimes require 20% or more, especially in competitive markets. This calculator estimates the dollar amount using representative percentage tiers — actual terms are set entirely by the developer or builder.
Unlike Korea's priority-ranking system where deposit size and account age determine your place in line, US pre-construction sales are usually first-come, first-served. A larger deposit shows commitment but doesn't move you up a waitlist. Always review the purchase contract for the refund and rescission terms before putting money down.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The US has no nationwide savings-account deposit system tied to home-buying eligibility. Instead, buyers of new-construction or pre-construction condos typically pay a reservation deposit or earnest money directly to the builder or escrow, based on the project's own terms.
It depends on the purchase contract. Many pre-construction contracts include a rescission period during which the deposit is refundable, but after that window it may become non-refundable or subject to forfeiture — always review the contract terms carefully.
No. Unlike Korea's priority-ranking lottery system, US pre-construction sales are typically first-come, first-served or based on a builder's own reservation list — deposit size doesn't affect your priority, only your commitment to the purchase.