While most buyers aim for the standard 20% down, two primary federal programs allow for 0% down as of April 2026:
Buying with zero equity means you are "underwater" the moment you sign, as selling costs (agent commissions) would exceed your home's value. FHA Down Payment Grants for 2026
Some banks, such as Bank of America , provide grants up to $17,500 that do not require repayment to cover both down payments and closing costs. 3. The "Hidden" Zero: Closing Costs
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.
Buying a house without savings is a high-wire act of financial engineering—entirely possible, but requiring a shift from the traditional "save then buy" mindset to one focused on leveraging specific programs and understanding long-term trade-offs. 1. The "True" Zero-Down Pathways
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).