Options For Buying A House With No Down Payment May 2026

: Combines a 3.5% FHA loan with a forgivable second mortgage, effectively removing the out-of-pocket down payment requirement.

: As of 2026, there are over 2,600 DPA programs nationwide, offering an average benefit of $18,000. 3. Managing Upfront Costs United States Department of Veterans Affairs

: Designed for low-to-moderate income buyers in designated rural and suburban areas—which account for roughly 97% of the U.S. land mass. Household income generally cannot exceed 115% of the area's median income. 2. Assistance & "Stacking" Strategies options for buying a house with no down payment

If you do not qualify for the programs above, you can often reach a "zero-down" threshold by combining lower-down-payment loans with other forms of assistance:

: Allows for a 1% down payment, with the lender providing a 2% non-repayable grant to reach the required equity. : Combines a 3

While 20% is often cited as the gold standard for a down payment, it is far from a requirement. For qualified buyers, 2026 mortgage programs like VA Loans and USDA Loans allow for 0% down.

: Available to veterans, active-duty service members, and eligible surviving spouses. They feature no monthly mortgage insurance and flexible credit requirements. Managing Upfront Costs United States Department of Veterans

: Standard FHA loans require 3.5% down, but many buyers "stack" these with State and Local Grants or forgivable second mortgages to cover the entire upfront cost. Specialized Lender Programs :