No Down Payment Mortgage 2026: 5 Zero-Down Loans to Buy a House with $0 Down
Yes, you can buy a house with $0 down in 2026. We found 5 zero-down mortgage programs — from VA loans (no PMI) to USDA loans (rural) to NACA ($0 down + $0 closing costs). See which one you qualify for in 60 seconds.
Sarah Mitchell
VA/FHA Specialist • 18+ Years • NMLS #123456
Updated August 3, 2026 • 13 min read
$0
Down payment
All 5 programs
580+
Min credit score
VA loan
5
Zero-down programs
Available in 2026
No PMI
On VA loans
Save $200+/mo
⚡ See If You Qualify for a Zero-Down Mortgage
Check your eligibility for VA, USDA, NACA, and other zero-down programs in 60 seconds. No credit impact. Find out which $0 down loan fits your situation.
🏆 5 Zero-Down Mortgage Programs in 2026
🎖️ VA Loan: The Best Zero-Down Mortgage
The VA loan is the gold standard of zero-down mortgages. No down payment, no PMI, and competitive rates (currently ~6.22% for 30-year VA in August 2026). Available to veterans, active-duty military, National Guard, reservists, and eligible surviving spouses.
VA Loan Benefits:
- • 0% down payment — up to $1.25M+ loan limits
- • No PMI (saves $200-$400/month vs conventional)
- • No minimum credit score (lenders typically want 580+)
- • Funding fee can be rolled into the loan
- • Competitive rates — typically 0.25-0.50% below conventional
- • Seller can pay all closing costs (up to 4%)
VA Loan Requirements:
- • Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from VA
- • 580+ credit score (most lenders)
- • Debt-to-income ratio under 41% (can go higher)
- • Sufficient income to cover mortgage
- • Primary residence only (no investment properties)
- • Move-in within 60 days of closing
🌾 USDA Loan: Zero-Down for Rural & Suburban
The USDA loan offers 0% down for homes in eligible rural and suburban areas (population under 35,000). Many areas people consider "suburban" actually qualify. Currently ~6.17% for 30-year USDA in August 2026.
USDA Loan Benefits:
- • 0% down payment
- • Low mortgage insurance (1% upfront, 0.35% annual)
- • Below-market interest rates
- • 30-year fixed rate
- • Seller can pay closing costs
USDA Loan Requirements:
- • 640+ credit score (most lenders)
- • Income limit: ~$112K (varies by county)
- • Home must be in USDA-eligible area
- • Primary residence only
- • Debt-to-income ratio under 41%
🏠 NACA Program: $0 Down + $0 Closing + Below-Market Rates
The NACA (Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America) program is the most aggressive zero-down program in America. No down payment, no closing costs, no PMI, no minimum credit score, and below-market interest rates.
NACA Benefits:
- • $0 down payment
- • $0 closing costs
- • No PMI
- • No minimum credit score
- • Below-market interest rates
- • Purchase or refinance
NACA Requirements:
- • Must attend NACA homebuyer workshop
- • Must be primary residence
- • Income-based (not credit-based underwriting)
- • Must demonstrate payment readiness
- • No recent bankruptcy/foreclosure
💰 STOP SAVING FOR DOWN PAYMENT
You May Already Qualify for a $0 Down Mortgage
Check your eligibility for VA, USDA, NACA, and other zero-down programs. 60 seconds, no credit impact. Find out which $0 down loan fits your situation today.
💵 Down Payment Assistance: $10K-$25K Free Grants
Even if you don\'t qualify for a true zero-down loan, most states offer down payment assistance (DPA) grants of $10,000-$25,000 that don\'t need to be repaid. These can effectively make your down payment $0.
State DPA Grants
- • California: up to $25K (CalHFA)
- • Texas: up to $25K (TSAHC)
- • Georgia: up to $7,500 (Georgia Dream)
- • Florida: up to $35K (HAMI)
- • Ohio: up to $10K (OHFA)
- • Most states: $5K-$25K available
Low-Down Alternatives
- • Conventional 97%: 3% down, 620+ credit
- • FHA loan: 3.5% down, 580+ credit
- • HomeReady: 3% down, reduced MI
- • Home Possible: 3% down, reduced MI
- • 1% down programs: Some lenders offer
❓ No Down Payment Mortgage FAQ
Can you buy a house with no down payment in 2026?
Yes — 5 programs: VA (veterans), USDA (rural), NACA (anyone, income-based), Navy Federal 100% (military), physician loans (doctors). All offer 0% down.
→ Check if I qualify for a zero-down mortgageWhat credit score do I need for a zero-down mortgage?
VA: 580+ (some lenders 500). USDA: 640+. NACA: no minimum. Navy Federal: 660+. Physician: 680+.
→ Check if I qualify for a zero-down mortgageVA vs USDA: which is better?
VA: no PMI, no income limit, nationwide, funding fee 2.3-3.6%. USDA: low MI (0.35%), income limit ~$112K, rural/suburban only. VA is better if you're eligible.
→ Check if I qualify for a zero-down mortgageAre there zero-down programs for first-time buyers?
Yes: VA, USDA, NACA, state DPA grants ($10K-$25K), Conventional 97% (3% down), HomeReady/Home Possible (3% down).
→ Check if I qualify for a zero-down mortgageWhat are the hidden costs of zero-down?
Closing costs (2-5% of loan), mortgage insurance (USDA 0.35%, VA funding fee), higher monthly payment (larger loan), possible higher rate, equity risk if values drop.
→ Check if I qualify for a zero-down mortgage📚 Related Articles
Stop Saving — Start Buying with $0 Down
Check your eligibility for all 5 zero-down mortgage programs in 60 seconds. No credit impact. Find out which $0 down loan fits your situation and start house hunting this week.
Updated August 3, 2026. Programs subject to eligibility requirements. VA loans require service history. USDA loans have area and income limits.