If loan programs alone aren't enough, buyers often use these additional methods:
: Aimed at low-to-moderate-income buyers in eligible rural and suburban regions. To qualify in 2026, household income for a 1-4 person family generally cannot exceed $119,850 in many areas. how to buy a house without money down
: Available to veterans, active-duty service members, and eligible surviving spouses. These loans offer 100% financing and do not require private mortgage insurance (PMI), which can save hundreds monthly. If loan programs alone aren't enough, buyers often
: Second mortgages that are forgiven if you live in the home for a set number of years. If loan programs alone aren't enough
The most direct routes to a 0% down payment are through federal programs designed for specific populations: