: Must obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) .
: FHA loans normally require 3.5% down for credit scores of 580+. However, lenders like Guild Mortgage offer programs that combine an FHA loan with a forgivable second mortgage to cover the 3.5% requirement. buying a house without a downpayment
: Designed for low-to-moderate-income buyers in "rural" areas. : Must obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
: Allows for 1% down , with the lender contributing the remaining 2% as a non-repayable grant. Critical Costs Beyond the Down Payment Only two
: Their "Destination Home Mortgage" offers 0% down in eligible counties for borrowers with a FICO score as low as 600. Critical Costs Beyond the Down Payment
Only two major federal programs consistently offer financing for qualified individuals:
Buying a house without a down payment in 2026 is primarily possible through specific government-backed programs or strategic financial combinations. While the traditional 20% down payment is often cited, the median for first-time buyers in 2025 was actually . True zero-down options exist but are restricted by military service or geographic location. True Zero-Down Payment Programs