Buying a Home with No Down Payment in Virginia, Maryland & DC
Many buyers still believe that you need 20% down to purchase a home. In reality, there are several loan programs that allow you to buy with little to no money upfront.
If you’re looking to purchase in Virginia, Maryland, or Washington DC, you may qualify for zero down or low down payment options. If you’re just getting started, check out our first-time homebuyer guide for Virginia, Maryland, and DC.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most popular programs and how they work.
What Is a Zero Down Mortgage?
A zero down mortgage allows you to purchase a home without making a large upfront down payment. Instead of saving tens of thousands of dollars, qualified buyers can finance most or all of the purchase price.
Some programs offer true 0% down, while others allow you to combine assistance programs to effectively reach 100% financing.
FHA Loans (Low Down Payment with Assistance Options)
FHA loans are one of the most common paths for buyers who don’t have significant savings. You can explore FHA loan options in Virginia, Maryland, and DC to see how you may qualify.
- Minimum down payment: 3.5%
- Credit score flexibility
- More lenient approval guidelines
In many cases, buyers can pair FHA loans with down payment assistance programs to reduce or eliminate their upfront costs.
For borrowers in Virginia, Maryland, and DC, this can be one of the most realistic ways to achieve near zero down financing.
Looking for true zero-down options? Some FHA-based programs can reach up to 100% CLTV depending on eligibility.
FHA loans are one of the most popular mortgage options for buyers with lower down payments. Learn more about FHA loan options in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC.
See If You Qualify for a Zero Down Mortgage Today
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VA Loans (True Zero Down for Eligible Buyers)
VA loans are one of the strongest mortgage options available.
- 0% down payment required
- No private mortgage insurance (PMI)
- Competitive interest rates
These loans are available to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and certain military families.
If you qualify, a VA loan is often the best zero down option available.
USDA Loans (Zero Down in Eligible Areas)
USDA loans also offer 100% financing, but they are limited to specific geographic areas.
- 0% down payment
- Income limits apply
- Property must be in an eligible rural or suburban area
Some parts of Maryland and Virginia qualify for USDA loans. You can also use our mortgage calculator to estimate your monthly payment based on your budget.
Can You Really Buy with No Money Out of Pocket?
In many cases, yes.
Between seller credits, lender incentives, and down payment assistance programs, buyers can often reduce their upfront costs significantly.
The exact structure depends on your financial profile, property, and loan type, but many buyers are surprised at how little cash they actually need to close.
You can also explore your options with a mortgage expert to structure a low or zero down payment strategy based on your situation.
Which Option Is Right for You?
The best loan program depends on a few key factors:
- Credit score
- Income and employment
- Property location
- Military eligibility (for VA loans)
Because every situation is different, it’s important to review your options with a mortgage professional who understands the local Virginia, Maryland, and DC markets.
You can also get pre-qualified online in just a few minutes to see which loan program fits your situation best.
Not sure which option is right for you? Explore all mortgage loan programs available in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC and find the best fit for your situation.
Get Pre-Approved and Explore Your Options
If you’re considering buying a home and want to explore zero down mortgage options, the next step is simple.
See If You Qualify for a Zero Down Mortgage Today
Our team helps homebuyers across Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC secure the right loan with the lowest upfront costs possible.
Do zero down mortgages have higher interest rates?
Not always. VA and USDA loans often have competitive rates, while FHA depends on borrower profile. You can also explore your loan options with our team to get accurate pricing.
What credit score is needed for zero down loans?
VA and USDA loans can allow lower scores, but requirements vary by lender.
Are zero down programs available in DC?
Yes, especially through FHA with assistance programs and VA loans for eligible borrowers.