Usually downpayment for property is 10%, which is paid to the seller. You will need to pay 2% to book the property, and the remaining 8% to be paid during SPA signing. If you intend to pay more than 10% downpayment, for example 20% coz you're only taking 80% loan, then the extra 10% is only paid when the bank is about to release the loan. Usually the lawyer will notify you when you need to pay this extra 10% and the cheque is usually issue to lawyer. Lawyer will hold this money first and notify bank so that bank can be assured you have the money for the extra 10% and proceed to release your 80% loan.

Definitely. Banks take your loan amount into consideration when approving your loan. The lesser you borrow, the higher chance of approval.