To obtain a home loan without money, leverage government-backed programs like FHA loans (3.5% down payment), VA loans (0% down), and USDA Rural Development loans (0% down). First-time buyers can access grants or assistance from state or local agencies. Seller contributions or shared equity programs may also reduce upfront costs.

Government programs and private lenders offer low- or no-down payment options to expand homeownership access. For example, FHA loans require just 3.5% of the purchase price as a down payment, which can be gifted or borrowed from family. VA loans, available to eligible veterans, require no down payment at all. In 2023, 18% of U.S. home loans had no down payment, per the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). First-time buyers often rely on state or local grants, such as the $5 billion allocated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in 2022 for down payment assistance. Additionally, 30% of first-time buyers in 2023 used seller contributions or shared equity programs, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). These initiatives address affordability barriers, particularly for low- and middle-income buyers. Data from the Federal Reserve shows that 63% of Americans believe homeownership is unattainable without a 20% down payment, highlighting the critical role of no-money-down programs in bridging this gap.