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How to Buy a House with $0 Down in 2026: 7 Programs That Actually Work
🎯 Which $0 Down Program Do YOU Qualify For?
Answer 2 quick questions to find out which zero down payment program is best for you. Takes 30 seconds.
Think you need 20% down to buy a house? Wrong. In 2026, there are 7 legitimate programsthat let you buy with little to no money down. This isn't clickbait—these are real, government-backed programsused by thousands of buyers every month.
According to the National Association of Realtors, the median down payment for first-time buyers in 2025 is just 8%—and many put down even less. With VA loans, USDA loans, and down payment assistance programs, you can buy with $0 out of pocket.
📚 What You'll Learn:
The 2 True $0 Down Payment Programs
Only two programs offer genuine $0 down payment with no tricks or gimmicks: VA loans (for military) and USDA loans (for 97% of the US). Here's everything you need to know:
VA Loans (Military Members)
If you've served in the US military, the VA loan is the single best mortgage program in America. Period. No other loan comes close.
✅ Benefits
- • $0 down payment (100% financing)
- • NO PMI (saves $200-$400/month)
- • Lower rates (0.25-0.5% below conventional)
- • Flexible credit (620+ typically, no VA minimum)
- • No income limits
- • Seller can pay closing costs
⚠️ Requirements
- • Military service: Active duty, veteran, or eligible spouse
- • Certificate of Eligibility (COE) required
- • VA funding fee: 1.25-3.3% (rolled into loan)
- • Disabled veterans: Exempt from funding fee
- • Primary residence only
💰 Real Example: $350K Home
Assumes: 6.25% rate, $350K price, 1.1% property tax, 0.5% insurance, VA funding fee 2.3%
USDA Loans (Suburban & Rural Areas)
Don't let "rural" fool you. USDA loans cover 97% of US landmass—including tons of suburbs outside major cities. This is the best $0 down option for non-military buyers.
✅ Benefits
- • $0 down payment (100% financing)
- • Lower PMI than FHA (0.35% vs 0.85%)
- • Competitive rates
- • 97% of US eligible
- • Flexible credit (640+ typically)
- • Seller can pay closing costs
⚠️ Requirements
- • Property in USDA zone (check map)
- • Income limits: ~$110K for family of 4 (varies)
- • 1% upfront guarantee fee (rolled into loan)
- • 0.35% annual fee (like PMI)
- • Primary residence only
💰 Real Example: $300K Home
Assumes: 6.5% rate, $300K price, 1.1% property tax, 0.5% insurance, 0.35% annual PMI
🎯 Ready to Get Pre-Approved?
Now that you know the programs, get personalized quotes from 50+ lenders who specialize in VA, USDA, FHA, and DPA programs. Compare rates and find the best deal.
Frequently Asked Questions (Zero Down Payment)
🎯 Ready to Buy with $0 Down?
You now know the 7 programs. Get personalized quotes from 50+ lenders who specialize in zero down payment mortgages. Compare VA, USDA, FHA, and DPA options.
✓ Free quotes • ✓ No obligation • ✓ VA/USDA/FHA specialists • ✓ DPA program experts
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Meet the Mortgage-Info.com Editorial Team
Editorial & Research Team
The Mortgage-Info.com Editorial Team researches, writes, and maintains all content on this site. Our guides are built from publicly available data sources including Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, and lender-published rate sheets, and are reviewed regularly to keep figures and program requirements accurate and current.
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