How to Buy a House With No Money Down

Buying a house with no money down is possible if you’re a veteran, want to live in a rural area, or otherwise qualify for a mortgage with no down payment requirement.

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Updated · 2 min read
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Written by Linda Bell
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Saving for a down payment is often the biggest roadblock for first-time home buyers. The good news is, you don’t need to put down 20% to buy a home.

In fact, you may be able to buy a house with no money down if you served in the military, are a rural home buyer, are a member of a credit union or qualify for 100% financing through certain mortgage lenders. Down payment assistance programs can also make it possible to buy a house with very little money out of pocket.

Find out more about no-down-payment mortgages and whether they’re right for your situation.

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Mortgage loans from our partners

New American Funding - PURCHASE logo
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New American Funding

4.5

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New American Funding - PURCHASE logo

4.5

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Min. credit score 
500

Min. down payment 
3.5%

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on New American Funding

Rocket Mortgage - PURCHASE logo
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on Rocket Mortgage

Rocket Mortgage

5.0

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Rocket Mortgage - PURCHASE logo

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
Min. credit score 
580

Min. down payment 
3.5%

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on Rocket Mortgage

Veterans United - PURCHASE logo
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on Veterans United

Veterans United

4.5

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Veterans United - PURCHASE logo

4.5

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Min. credit score 
620

Min. down payment 
0%

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on Veterans United

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Mortgage loans from our partners

New American Funding - PURCHASE logo
Check Rate

on New American Funding

New American Funding

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
New American Funding - PURCHASE logo

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
Min. credit score 
500

Min. down payment 
3.5%

Check Rate

on New American Funding

Rocket Mortgage - PURCHASE logo
Check Rate

on Rocket Mortgage

Rocket Mortgage

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
Rocket Mortgage - PURCHASE logo

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
Min. credit score 
580

Min. down payment 
3.5%

Check Rate

on Rocket Mortgage

Veterans United - PURCHASE logo
Check Rate

on Veterans United

Veterans United

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
Veterans United - PURCHASE logo

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
Min. credit score 
620

Min. down payment 
0%

Check Rate

on Veterans United