To buy a house with a mortgage without a job, leverage alternative income sources, secure a co-signer with stable income, save for a large down payment to reduce loan terms, and explore government-backed programs like FHA loans. Self-employment documentation or gig work income may qualify if proven sustainable. Prioritize lenders open to non-traditional credit histories and focus on properties in lower-cost areas to align with budget constraints.

The primary challenge lies in mortgage approval without verifiable employment, as lenders typically require proof of steady income. However, strategies like co-signing can bridge this gap, as 68% of FHA loans in 2023 involved co-signers or joint applications, according to the Federal Housing Administration. A 20% down payment minimizes loan risk, reducing mortgage approval odds by 40% compared to smaller down payments, per Fannie Mae data. Self-employed borrowers face higher approval rates (55%) if they provide two years of consistent income tax returns, per Quicken Loans 2023 research. Government programs like the USDA Rural Development Loan also offer 100% financing for eligible buyers in low-cost regions, expanding accessibility despite employment gaps. These methods work because they offset lender risks through collateral (down payment), third-party guarantees (co-signers), or alternative income validation, enabling homeownership even without active employment.