: Combines a 3.5% FHA loan with a forgivable second mortgage, effectively removing the out-of-pocket down payment requirement.
These government-backed programs are the only major loan types that inherently require no down payment: options for buying a house with no down payment
While 20% is often cited as the gold standard for a down payment, it is far from a requirement. For qualified buyers, 2026 mortgage programs like VA Loans and USDA Loans allow for 0% down. : Combines a 3
: Standard FHA loans require 3.5% down, but many buyers "stack" these with State and Local Grants or forgivable second mortgages to cover the entire upfront cost. Specialized Lender Programs : : Standard FHA loans require 3
: Designed for low-to-moderate income buyers in designated rural and suburban areas—which account for roughly 97% of the U.S. land mass. Household income generally cannot exceed 115% of the area's median income. 2. Assistance & "Stacking" Strategies