20% down payment for a duplex? Or did the rules change it to 25%

[Ken Badziak]

I'm looking for a lender that would do a conventional loan on a duplex in Cleveland. Every book I've been reading always used 20% as the standard row payment, but now not one but two banks have told me nope, need 25%.

Is this the "new normal"? 

Are there any banks out there that will do a conventional 30 year fixed with 20% down?

[Chris Mason]

Fannie and Freddie both want 25% down for 2-4 unit investment properties. 

Owner occupants get a slightly better deal:

• 3.5% down FHA, of course.
• Duplex, 15% down, Fannie Mae. Fannie Mae is more generous with counting rental income than FHA.
• 3-4 unit, 20% down, Freddie Mac, may require landlord experience. 

Eyes-wide responses from consumers make me think that the latter two bullets are niche knowledge and/or that most lenders have additional overlays.