Buy a Home with 0% Down Payment through VA loans, USDA loans, state DPA grants, and FHA down payment assistance programs in New Jersey, Connecticut, and Florida through Mortgage-World.com, a mortgage broker with access to 20-plus wholesale lenders.
Buy a Home with 0% Down Payment — VA, USDA, State DPA Grants & FHA Assistance Programs
Yes — you can buy a home with 0% down payment. VA loans and USDA loans require zero down at closing. State DPA grants and FHA down payment assistance programs cover the 3.5% FHA requirement entirely. If you qualify for any of these programs, you may purchase a home without bringing a dollar toward the down payment. Mortgage-World.com shops 20-plus wholesale lenders to find the right zero-down path in New Jersey, Connecticut, and Florida.
★ Updated July 2026 | Licensed Mortgage Broker | Multiple Loan Programs | Zero-Down Programs Since 2017
Want to buy a home with 0% down payment? Get a free program review across VA, USDA, DPA, and FHA assistance options — no obligation. Apply Free — No Obligation
0% VA Loan Down Payment
0% USDA Loan Down Payment
DPA Covers FHA 3.5% Down
580+ Min. FICO for FHA DPA Programs
Buy a Home with 0% Down Payment — 2026 Program Snapshot | Mortgage-World.com
Your Question Answered
Can You Buy a Home with 0% Down Payment in 2026?
Buying a home with 0% down payment is not a gimmick. There are four clear paths: a VA loan for veterans and active-duty service members, a USDA loan for buyers in eligible rural and suburban areas, a state DPA grant that covers your required down payment, or an FHA loan paired with a down payment assistance second lien. The CFPB publishes a plain-language guide to mortgage loan types and key terms that is a helpful starting point for buyers comparing programs.
Each path has its own rules. VA loans require military service. USDA loans require the property to be in an eligible zone with household income within local limits. FHA DPA programs require a 580 minimum FICO. As a mortgage broker licensed in NJ, CT, and FL, we work with 20-plus wholesale lenders and match you to the right program in a single conversation.
Already have a property in mind? Tell us the address and your profile and we will check USDA eligibility, VA entitlement, and available DPA programs in your state at no cost. Start your free application.
Zero-Down Programs
The Four Ways to Buy a Home with 0% Down Payment
Each program eliminates the down payment differently. Here is a side-by-side snapshot.
Property must be in a USDA-designated eligible area
FHA + DPA (3.5%)
0% out of pocket
580+ FICO; no income cap on standard DPA programs
Owner-occupied primary residence; standard or high-balance amounts
FHA + DPA (5%)
0% out of pocket
580+ FICO; no income cap
Owner-occupied primary; covers down payment and closing costs
State DPA Grants
0% out of pocket
Varies by state; often targets first-time buyers
Primary residence within the state issuing the grant
Program Breakdown
Understanding Each Zero-Down Option
Knowing which program fits your situation changes how you approach the purchase. Here is what each one actually requires.
VA Home Loan
Who Is Eligible
Veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members with qualifying service, and eligible surviving spouses. The VA’s official home loan page outlines service requirements and how to obtain your Certificate of Eligibility before you go under contract.
Why It’s the Strongest Program
No down payment, no private mortgage insurance, competitive rates, and no loan limit for borrowers with full entitlement. A VA funding fee applies but can be rolled into the loan. This is the most valuable zero-down benefit available in the mortgage market.
USDA Rural Development Loan
Property & Location Rules
The property must be in a USDA-eligible area. Many suburban towns in NJ, CT, and FL qualify. The USDA single-family housing programs page includes an address eligibility map you can check instantly.
Income Limits
USDA income limits are based on household size and the area median income for the county. Most moderate-income families qualify. This is not exclusively a low-income program. Many two-income households in suburban areas come in under the threshold and qualify for zero-down USDA financing.
FHA + Down Payment Assistance (DPA)
3.5% DPA — Forgivable or Repayable
A DPA second lien covers the FHA 3.5% down payment so the buyer brings zero. The forgivable option has no monthly payment and is forgiven after 36 consecutive on-time payments on the first mortgage. The repayable option is a 10-year amortizing second at the first lien note rate plus 2%. No income cap on either option.
5% DPA — Cover More Than the Down Payment
We offer a 5% FHA DPA second lien for buyers who need assistance beyond the down payment. The second lien covers up to 5% of the purchase price toward the down payment and closing costs. This option is repayable over 10 years with an interest rate at the first lien note rate plus 2%. 580 minimum FICO. At least one borrower must complete HUD-approved housing counseling.
State Grant Programs
State Down Payment Assistance in New Jersey, Connecticut & Florida
State housing finance agencies in New Jersey, Connecticut, and Florida operate DPA programs funded through bond financing and federal allocations. These are designed for moderate-income buyers who lack down payment savings. Grant amounts, income limits, and property eligibility change annually, so we verify current availability before recommending any path.
New Jersey — NJHMFA
The New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency offers up to $15,000 in down payment assistance through its First-Time Homebuyer Mortgage Program. The assistance is a five-year, interest-free, forgivable second mortgage with no monthly payment required. It is fully forgiven if you stay in the home for the full term. Income and purchase price limits apply by county and the assistance pairs with FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional first mortgages.
Connecticut — CHFA DAP
The Connecticut Housing Finance Authority offers up to $20,000 toward the down payment and closing costs through its DAP loan program. DAP carries a low fixed rate with no payments due until the first mortgage is paid off or the home is sold. CT buyers using a CHFA first mortgage also access reduced rates through the same program.
Florida — FL Housing Bond Programs
Florida Housing Finance Corporation administers DPA programs including the Florida Assist second mortgage and the Florida Homeownership Loan Program. Assistance ranges from $7,500 to $10,000 by program. These are deferred, zero-interest second mortgages with no monthly payment as long as you remain in the home. Income and purchase price limits are set by county.
First-time home buyer? Our First-Time Home Buyer page covers the full program and how to pair it with an FHA or conventional loan for maximum assistance.
Related Resources
Related Mortgage Pages
Buying with little or no money down comes down to program fit. These pages cover the lowest-down-payment options.
3.5% down with flexible credit — a common low-down-payment choice.
What Clients Say
Real Reviews From Our Clients
Here’s what a few of our clients said about working with Mortgage-World.com.
★★★★★
“Chris Luis is the BEST mortgage broker on this planet! If you’re looking to buy a home, definitely give him a call. Chris will go above and beyond to try to help you!”
— Tanya W.
★★★★★
“I had an opportunity to work with Chris when I did my refinancing. I would highly recommend his services to anyone. He was efficient, helpful and very prompt in responding.”
— Aurora T.
★★★★★
“Julia Luis has been very professional and has been very helpful during the process! Anyone looking for someone to assist them in their future adventures needs to have her on your side! Thank you for being there for me!!”
Frequently Asked Questions About Buying a Home with 0% Down Payment
Can I really buy a home with 0% down payment in 2026?
Yes. VA loans and USDA loans require no down payment for eligible buyers. FHA down payment assistance programs cover the 3.5% FHA requirement through a second lien, leaving the buyer with zero out of pocket toward the down payment. State DPA grant programs in NJ, CT, and FL can cover the down payment when paired with an FHA or conventional first mortgage.
Who qualifies for a VA loan with no down payment?
Veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members with qualifying service, and eligible surviving spouses qualify for VA home loans. A Certificate of Eligibility from the VA confirms your entitlement. VA loans require no down payment, no PMI, and carry no loan limit for borrowers using full entitlement.
What are the income limits for a USDA loan?
USDA income limits are based on household size and the area median income for the county where the property sits. Limits vary by location and are updated annually. Many moderate-income households qualify. The property must also be located within a USDA-designated eligible area, which includes many suburban towns throughout New Jersey, Connecticut, and Florida.
How does FHA down payment assistance work?
FHA DPA pairs a standard FHA first mortgage with a second lien covering the 3.5% down payment. The second lien can be forgivable after 36 on-time payments, or repayable over 10 years at the first lien rate plus 2%. No income cap applies. Minimum 580 FICO is required, and at least one borrower must complete HUD-approved housing counseling before closing.
Does buying with 0% down mean no closing costs?
No. Zero down payment eliminates the down payment requirement, but closing costs still apply. These include the appraisal, title insurance, recording fees, and prepaid escrow items. Some DPA programs allow the assistance to cover both the down payment and closing costs. Sellers can also contribute toward buyer closing costs through seller concessions negotiated in the purchase agreement.
Does Mortgage-World.com offer zero-down programs in NJ, CT, and FL?
Yes. Mortgage-World.com is a mortgage broker licensed in New Jersey, Connecticut, and Florida (NMLS #1630225, FL License MLB 1987). We work with 20-plus wholesale lenders and offer VA, USDA, FHA DPA, and state grant programs across all three states. We identify every program you qualify for based on service history, location, credit, and income at no extra charge.
Ready to Buy a Home with 0% Down Payment?
Tell us your state, service history, and credit profile. We will identify every zero-down program you qualify for across multiple loan programs at no charge.
Written By: Chris Luis — Broker/Owner, Mortgage-World.com — NMLS #1630225
I’ve been originating mortgage loans for over 20 years, since 2002. Mortgage-World.com has operated as a licensed mortgage broker since 2017, working across multiple loan programs — bank statement, 1099, DSCR, and other Non-QM options — so self-employed borrowers get matched to the program that documents their income best. If your tax returns don’t tell the whole story, let’s find the program that does.
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