: Must obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) .
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 buying a house without a downpayment
If you do not qualify for the above, you can often reach a 0% effective down payment by stacking low-down-payment loans with assistance: : 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. True zero-down options exist but are restricted by
Only two major federal programs consistently offer financing for qualified individuals:
: State and local agencies offer grants or deferred-payment loans specifically to cover upfront costs. For example, the Illinois Housing Development Authority has programs providing up to $10,000 in assistance. Lender-Specific Programs :