While most buyers aim for the standard 20% down, two primary federal programs allow for 0% down as of April 2026:
Some lenders will pay your closing costs in exchange for a slightly higher interest rate. 4. The Psychological & Financial Cost buying a house with no savings
The biggest trap for buyers with no savings isn't the down payment; it's the , which typically run 2% to 5% of the purchase price. Even with a 0% down loan, you could still owe $10,000+ on a $300,000 home at the signing table. While most buyers aim for the standard 20%
If you don't qualify for VA or USDA, you can often reach "zero out of pocket" by stacking low-down-payment loans with grants: Even with a 0% down loan, you could
You can negotiate for the seller to pay your closing costs. For instance, you might offer $310,000 for a $300,000 house on the condition the seller pays $10,000 toward your fees.
Buying with zero equity means you are "underwater" the moment you sign, as selling costs (agent commissions) would exceed your home's value. FHA Down Payment Grants for 2026
Some banks, such as Bank of America , provide grants up to $17,500 that do not require repayment to cover both down payments and closing costs. 3. The "Hidden" Zero: Closing Costs