To afford a home without a down payment, explore government-backed programs like down payment assistance programs (DPAPs), which provide grants or loans to cover closing costs or部分首付. Convertible loans from private lenders may also reduce upfront costs. Leverage FHA loans, requiring just 3.5% down for qualified buyers, or VA loans with no down payment for veterans. Some employers offer home buyer grants or matched savings. Rent out a room to generate savings or prioritize paying off debt to qualify for better loan terms.

DPAPs and FHA loans address the primary barrier of upfront costs. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) reports that 2,200 state and local DPAPs helped 1.3 million buyers in 2022, covering an average of $10,000. FHA loans, which require a 580+ credit score, enabled 1.1 million home purchases in 2023, with 3.5% down. Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve’s 2023 Homeownership Survey found 63% of first-time buyers cited down payments as their top challenge, underscoring the need for these solutions. employer programs, like Google’s $20,000 grant and Salesforce’s $15,000 matching, further bridge affordability gaps by reducing out-of-pocket expenses. Combining these strategies slashes upfront costs by up to 95%, making homeownership accessible despite limited savings.