One of the biggest barriers to homeownership is coming up with a down payment . That’s why many aspiring homeowners ask: “Is there a house mortgage with no down payment?”
The good news is — yes, zero-down mortgages do exist , but they come with specific eligibility requirements and are not available to everyone.
In this post, we’ll explore:
- Which mortgage loans offer zero down payment
- Who qualifies for them
- The pros and cons of buying a home with no down payment
- How to apply and prepare for homeownership
Let’s dive in.
Can You Get a House Mortgage with No Down Payment?
Yes — but only through specific government-backed loan programs designed to help certain groups of buyers.
Here are the main zero-down mortgage options in the U.S.:
VA Loan | ✅ Yes | Eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and some surviving spouses |
USDA Loan | ✅ Yes | Buyers in eligible rural and suburban areas with moderate income |
Conventional Loan | ❌ No | Typically requires 3–20% down |
FHA Loan | ❌ No (Minimum 3.5%) | First-time buyers or those with lower credit scores |
🎯 Key Tip : VA and USDA loans are the only mainstream mortgage options that allow no down payment for qualified borrowers.

1. VA Loans – For Military Members and Veterans
Who it’s for:
Veterans, current service members, and eligible surviving spouses.
Benefits:
- No down payment required
- No private mortgage insurance (PMI)
- Competitive interest rates
- Lenient credit score requirements
Eligibility Requirements:
- Meet minimum service requirements (e.g., 90 days of wartime service or 181 days of peacetime service)
- Receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the Department of Veterans Affairs
- Meet lender-specific credit and income standards
2. USDA Loans – For Rural Homebuyers
Who it’s for:
Buyers in designated rural and suburban areas who meet income limits.
Benefits:
- Zero down payment
- Low mortgage insurance premiums
- Affordable fixed interest rates
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must purchase a home in a USDA-eligible area
- Household income must be within USDA guidelines (typically under $100,000 for most areas)
- Must occupy the home as your primary residence
Are There Any Other Zero-Down Options?
While VA and USDA loans are the main zero-down mortgage programs, other limited assistance programs may also help reduce or eliminate down payments:
✅ State and Local Down Payment Assistance Programs
Many states and local governments offer:
- Grants
- Forgivable loans
- Low-interest second loans
These programs often work alongside FHA or conventional loans to reduce your upfront costs.
✅ Employer-Assisted Housing Programs
Some employers offer housing assistance to employees, including:
- Lump-sum grants
- Matching funds
- Low-interest loans for down payment or closing cost support
Pros and Cons of No Down Payment Mortgages
✅ No upfront cash needed | ⚠️ Limited to specific buyer groups |
✅ Faster path to homeownership | ⚠️ May have stricter location or income limits |
✅ No PMI with VA loans | ⚠️ Some loans require funding fees or mortgage insurance |
✅ Easier budgeting for first-time buyers | ⚠️ Less equity at closing |
What You Need to Apply for a No-Down Mortgage
To qualify for a zero-down mortgage , you’ll typically need:
- Proof of eligibility (e.g., DD-214 for VA loans)
- Stable income and employment history
- Minimum credit score (varies by lender, often 620+)
- Debt-to-income ratio under 41–45%
- Willingness to live in the home as your primary residence
Final Thoughts
Yes, you can get a house mortgage with no down payment — but only through VA loans or USDA loans , or with the help of down payment assistance programs .
If you’re a veteran, active-duty service member, or planning to buy in a rural area, these programs can help you become a homeowner without draining your savings .
Always check your eligibility early and speak with a mortgage lender who specializes in these loan types.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I buy a house with no money down?
Yes, through VA loans (for veterans) and USDA loans (for rural buyers), or with down payment assistance programs.
Q2: Do first-time homebuyers qualify for zero down payment?
Not automatically — unless you qualify for VA, USDA, or a state/local assistance program.
Q3: Is a no-down mortgage right for me?
It depends on your situation. If you’re eligible, it’s a great way to start building equity without upfront cash.
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