: Available to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses.
While a is often considered the traditional standard, it is not strictly required to buy a house in 2026 . Most mortgage programs allow for much lower upfront payments, and some specifically qualified buyers can purchase a home with 0% down . Minimum Down Payment Requirements by Loan Type is a down payment required when buying a house
: For low-to-moderate-income buyers purchasing homes in designated rural or suburban areas. : Available to eligible veterans
The amount required depends primarily on the type of mortgage you choose: active-duty service members
In 2024, the median down payment for was just 9% , while repeat buyers typically put down 23%. Across all buyers, the median was approximately 18%. Key Financial Trade-offs