Exclusive to veterans, active-duty service members, and eligible surviving spouses. These loans require no down payment and typically lack private mortgage insurance (PMI), though they do carry a one-time "funding fee" (usually 2.15% for first use) that can often be rolled into the loan.
Many state and local Down Payment Assistance (DPA) programs offer grants (free money) or deferred-payment second mortgages that are forgiven if you stay in the home for a set period (often 5–10 years). buying a house with no savings
While most buyers aim for the standard 20% down, two primary federal programs allow for 0% down as of April 2026: Exclusive to veterans