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How To Get Down Payment Assistance

Boost your buying power with local programs that offer down payment assistance.

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Benefits of down payment assistance programs

It's possible to qualify for a home loan with no money down or with a down payment amount as low as 3%. Using a program to get down payment assistance can provide additional benefits:

Lower your mortgage payments
Build home equity faster
Increase your home budget
Purchase a home sooner
Lower your mortgage costsCost of $300,000 home with a 30-year mortgage with 6% APR
10%3%
Down payment
Down payment$30,000
10%
Monthly paymentMonthly payment$1,752
Total interest over life of loanTotal interest over life of loan$353,263
Down payment$9,000
3%
Monthly payment$2,008
Total interest over life of loan$380,739
Payment information is for illustrative purposes only. Actual available rates and monthly payment amounts are subject to market fluctuations and will depend on a number of factors, including geography and loan characteristics. Estimated monthly payment amounts displayed are based upon principal and interest only, and taxes and insurance are not included in this estimate; the actual payment obligation may be greater.

How to qualify for down payment assistance

1. Do I qualify for down payment assistance?

With Zillow's easy questionnaire, see if you may qualify for down payment assistance.

2. Explore programs

We'll point you to the information you need to pick the program that could work best for you.

3. Talk to your lender

Share the programs you're interested in and discuss whether your lender supports them.

4. Complete requirements

Programs vary, but many require submitting an application or taking a home-buying class.

How to qualify for down payment assistance

Program availability varies by area, and several eligibility factors are considered:

  • Household income
  • Household size
  • Employment
  • Home ownership history
Learn more