Low Down Payment Mortgage

Low Down Payment Mortgage Options

Low Down Payment vs. Down Payment Assistance

Low Down Payment

Mortgage loan options with lower required down payments
Typically require 0% – 5% down (varies by loan type)
Offered by mortgage lenders, backed by FHA, VA, USDA, or Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac
Available to borrowers who meet credit, income, and loan program requirements
No extra application process beyond qualifying for the loan
May require private mortgage insurance (PMI) unless using VA or USDA loans

Down Payment Assistance

Financial aid programs that help cover down payments and/or closing costs
Can cover part or all of the down payment
Offered by state/local housing agencies, nonprofits, or lenders
Often limited to first-time buyers, lower-income households, or specific areas
May come in the form of grants (free money), second mortgages, or forgivable loans
Requires a separate application and approval process, sometimes with homebuyer education courses

Exploring Home Loans with Low Down Payment

| CONVENTIONAL LOAN

As low as 3%-5% down
Condo, Townhome, or Single-Family allowed
Mortgage insurance – Can be removed
Loan limits differ by county*

| FHA LOAN

As low as 3.5% down
Condo, Townhome, or Single-Family allowed
Flexible qualifying requirements
Loan limits differ by county**

| HOMEREADY & HOMEPOSSIBLE

As low as 3% down
Flexible down payment source
Homebuyer education course
Non-occupant, Co-borrower, or boarder income to qualify

| HOMEREADY & HOMEPOSSIBLE

Cover part or all of down payment
Owner-occupied properties
Homebuyer education course
Fixed-rate loans

Want to Find a Down Payment Assistance Program?

Use Our Down Payment Resource Tool

Low Down Payment FAQ

What is considered a low down payment for a home loan?

A low down payment is typically 3% to 5% of the home’s purchase price, though some loan programs offer even lower options.

Are there home loan programs that allow a 0% down payment?

Yes, VA loans (for eligible veterans and service members) and USDA loans (for rural homebuyers) offer 100% financing with no down payment.

Do I need a high credit score to qualify for a low down payment loan?

Not necessarily. FHA loans allow credit scores as low as 580, while some conventional programs require at least 620.

Can I use gift funds for my down payment?

Yes, many loan programs allow you to use gift funds from family members or other eligible donors.

What are the income limits for low down payment loan programs?

Some programs, like HomeReady® and Home Possible®, have income limits based on your area’s median income, while others, like FHA and VA loans, do not.

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