Can I buy a house with almost no money down using assistance?

Close to it, yes. The minimum down payment is 3% (conventional) or 3.5% (FHA) — but down payment assistance exists precisely to cover that. On a $299,188 home, the 3% down payment is about $8,976, and several state programs (New York’s HPD HomeFirst up to $100,000, New Jersey up to $15,000) can cover that entire amount, bringing your own cash needed toward closing close to zero.
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As of Q1 2026 there are 2,679 down payment assistance programs in the U.S., and 77% are active and funded (source: Down Payment Resource, Q1 2026 program count). Most cover part or all of the 3% conventional or 3.5% FHA minimum down payment.
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Related questions

What is the lowest down payment with assistance?

Assistance can cover the full 3–3.5% minimum, so your own down-payment cash can approach $0. You may still owe some closing costs, though some programs help with those too.

Is 100% financing possible?

With a first mortgage plus a down-payment-assistance second, some buyers finance effectively the entire purchase. Terms depend on the program and your qualification.

Do I still need savings?

Lenders like to see some reserves, and you may owe closing costs and an inspection. But assistance dramatically lowers the cash-to-close hurdle.

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