Mortgage guide · Updated Oct 17, 2026
Zero down home loans: every way to buy with 0% down
A 20% down payment on a typical home is out of reach for many buyers. A handful of mortgage programs skip the down payment entirely. Here is how each one works, who qualifies and what it costs.
Live Oct 17, 2026
Today’s best home loans available now
- First Bank doctor and attorney mortgageRate varies0% to low down, no PMI
- Navy Federal Homebuyers Choice loanRate varies0% down
- Navy Federal Military Choice loanRate varies0% down
- Northwest Bank physician mortgageRate variesAs low as 0% down
- TD Bank Medical Professional MortgageRate variesUp to 100% financing, no PMI
- USDA Guaranteed home loanRate varies0% down
- VA home loanRate varies0% down
The zero-down mortgage options compared
| Program | Who qualifies | Upfront fee | Monthly mortgage insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| VA loan | Eligible service members, veterans, some surviving spouses | Funding fee, 2.3% for first use with $0 down (can be financed; some veterans exempt) | None |
| USDA Guaranteed loan | Income up to about 115% of area median, eligible rural or suburban address | Upfront guarantee fee (can be financed) | Annual fee, paid monthly |
| Navy Federal Homebuyers Choice | Navy Federal members, primary residence | 1.75% funding fee, waivable for a higher rate or 3% down | None |
| Navy Federal Military Choice | Members with military service | 1% origination plus 1.75% funding fee | None |
| Doctor or professional loans | Physicians, dentists, sometimes attorneys | Varies by bank | None |
VA loans: the best zero-down mortgage if you qualify
VA loans are backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. With full entitlement there is no down payment, no monthly mortgage insurance and no income limit. You will need a Certificate of Eligibility, which your lender can usually request for you.
The main cost is the funding fee. For a first-time VA borrower putting nothing down it is 2.3% of the loan, and it can be added to the loan instead of paid in cash. Veterans who receive VA disability compensation are generally exempt.
USDA loans: zero down outside big cities
USDA Guaranteed loans offer 100% financing on a 30-year fixed mortgage for a primary home in an eligible area. Eligible areas include many small towns and suburbs, not just farmland, so it is worth checking an address on the USDA eligibility map.
Household income generally can’t exceed 115% of the area median, and USDA counts everyone in the household, not just the borrowers. Limits are higher in expensive areas such as much of California.
Other ways to buy with nothing down
- Credit-union 100% financing. Navy Federal’s Homebuyers Choice loan needs no down payment and no PMI for members buying a primary home.
- Doctor loans. Banks such as TD Bank, First Bank and Northwest Bank offer up to 100% financing with no PMI for physicians and dentists in their service areas. See today’s doctor loan listings.
- Down payment assistance. State housing agencies and some banks offer grants or forgivable second loans that can cover a 3% to 3.5% down payment, which can effectively make an FHA or conventional loan zero down.
Zero down isn’t zero cash
Even with no down payment, buyers usually pay closing costs: appraisal, title, lender fees and prepaid taxes and insurance, often 2% to 5% of the price. You can lower them by asking the seller for a credit, using lender credits for a slightly higher rate, or applying for a closing cost grant.
How to buy a home with no money down
- Check which program fitsMilitary service points to VA; an eligible address and moderate income point to USDA; a medical degree points to a doctor loan.
- Get preapprovedA preapproval confirms the program, your budget and the cash you will need for closing costs.
- Plan for closing costsBudget for them or negotiate a seller credit in your offer.
- Keep a cushionWith no down payment you start with little equity, so keep savings for repairs and surprises.
Questions people ask
Can you buy a house with no money down?
Yes. VA and USDA loans require no down payment for eligible buyers, and some credit unions and banks offer 100% financing programs. You will usually still pay closing costs.
What is the easiest zero-down home loan to get?
For eligible service members and veterans, the VA loan is usually easiest because it has no income limit and no monthly mortgage insurance. For others, USDA loans are the main government option if the home is in an eligible area.
Do zero-down mortgages have higher rates?
Not necessarily. VA loan rates are often competitive with or lower than conventional rates. Some lender-specific 100% programs trade a slightly higher rate for waived fees.
What credit score do I need for a zero-down mortgage?
VA and USDA don’t set an official minimum, but most lenders look for roughly 580 to 640 or higher. Credit-union and doctor programs set their own requirements.