FHA down payment assistance is here
Saving up to buy a home delays over 50% of buyers. Zillow Home Loans offers access to up to 3.5% in down payment assistance on FHA loans, which could cover that upfront expense entirely. Pre-qualify to get started.
Benefits of FHA down payment assistance
Move forward with access to down payment assistance of up to 3.5% when you work with Zillow Home Loans. For an FHA loan, that can cover the entire down payment.
Reduce your cash to close
Eligible borrowers receive up to 3.5% of their purchase price in down payment assistance as a forgivable second loan, reducing upfront costs.
Become a homeowner sooner
With down payment assistance, you can spend less time saving, buy a home sooner, and start building equity.
Get guidance all the way home
Zillow Home Loans is here to help. From the first conversation all the way to closing day, we’ll help coordinate everything.
How to get FHA down payment assistance
Step 1: Pre-qualify
Fill out a quick 5-minute form to pre-qualify for a loan from Zillow Home Loans, with no credit impact.
Step 2: Review eligibility
A loan officer will reach out to confirm you meet program requirements, such as a 640+ credit score.
Step 3: Explore options
Walk through all your low down payment options with your loan officer to ensure this program is right for you.
I had an incredible experience working with [my loan officer]… he was exceptionally patient, happily helping me adjust how the loan was structured—like exploring different down payment and insurance options.
David | California
[My loan officer] was fantastic to work with. He walked me through everything I needed to know as a first time buyer and made the whole process smooth and stress free. 10/10 would recommend!
Nathan | Arkansas
[My loan officer] was absolutely great from start to finish… We went through a ton of different scenarios of down payments.
Amanda | Oregon
I had an incredible experience working with [my loan officer]… he was exceptionally patient, happily helping me adjust how the loan was structured—like exploring different down payment and insurance options.
David | California
[My loan officer] was fantastic to work with. He walked me through everything I needed to know as a first time buyer and made the whole process smooth and stress free. 10/10 would recommend!
Nathan | Arkansas
[My loan officer] was absolutely great from start to finish… We went through a ton of different scenarios of down payments.
Amanda | Oregon
Ready to get started?
See if you are eligible for FHA down payment assistance from Zillow Home Loans.
Frequently asked questions
- What is FHA down payment assistance?
FHA down payment assistance is money provided to eligible homebuyers to help cover their down payment on an FHA loan. Rather than having to save the full amount yourself, qualifying buyers receive funds — in this case through Zillow Home Loans — that can be applied directly toward your down payment at closing. It's designed to help buyers who are financially ready to own a home but need a little help getting over the upfront hurdle.
- How much is a down payment with an FHA loan?
FHA loans require a minimum down payment of 3.5% of the purchase price. On a $400,000 home, that's $14,000. While that's lower than typical conventional loan requirements, it can still be a significant amount to save — which is exactly why down payment assistance exists.
- How much of my down payment can Zillow Home Loans assist with?
Zillow Home Loans can assist with up to 3.5% of your home purchase price* through our down payment assistance program. The exact amount depends on your purchase — the higher your purchase price, the more assistance you may be eligible for. Talk to a loan officer to find out what you'd qualify for based on your specific situation.
*The lesser of the purchase price or appraised value
- Do I have to pay back the down payment assistance?
Not if you satisfy the program requirements for 5 years. The down payment assistance through Zillow Home Loans is structured as a forgivable loan. It's a second mortgage with no interest and no monthly payments. And if you meet the program requirements for 5 years, the full amount is forgiven, so you won't owe it back. If you sell or refinance before 5 years, it will need to be repaid. Your loan officer can explain the details based on your timeline.
- Does down payment assistance help with closing costs?
The down payment assistance through Zillow Home Loans is applied specifically to your down payment, not closing costs. Closing costs are separate and typically range from 2–5% of the loan amount. Your loan officer can walk you through all the upfront costs associated with your loan so there are no surprises.
- Will down payment assistance delay my closing?
Down payment assistance is built directly into your loan process with Zillow Home Loans. It's not a separate program you have to apply for on your own or coordinate with another organization. Plan for a minimum of 21 days from rate lock to closing, which is standard for FHA loans.
- Which states does Zillow Home Loans offer down payment assistance in?
Zillow Home Loans’ down payment assistance program is available in most U.S. states, excluding Arizona, Delaware, Florida and New York. Program availability depends on where Zillow Home Loans and our lending partner are licensed to operate in this manner.
- Is down payment assistance the same as a grant?
Not exactly — but it can feel similar. A grant is money you never have to repay. Zillow Home Loans’ down payment assistance is structured as a forgivable loan, meaning as long as you stay in your home for 5 years and meet the program requirements, it's forgiven entirely.
- Can I use down payment assistance if I’ve bought a home before?
Yes. While many DPA programs are limited to first-time buyers, Zillow Home Loans' program is available to eligible buyers regardless of whether you've owned a home before, as long as you meet the FHA and program credit and income requirements.
Zillow Home Loans offers eligible borrowers access to SmartBuy Down Payment Assistance with certain FHA 203(b) purchase loans originated by Click n’ Close, Inc. SmartBuy is a 0%-interest second mortgage loan that may provide up to 3.5% of the lesser of the home’s purchase price or appraised value, with no monthly payments. The loan is made by a third-party creditor, not Zillow Home Loans. It may be forgiven after five years if program requirements are met, including no delinquency of 90 days or more during the first 60 payments. The outstanding balance is due if the home is sold or refinanced before forgiveness. Available for eligible owner-occupied one- to two-unit properties only. Additional credit, underwriting, property, loan, and geographic restrictions apply. Not available in AZ, DE, FL, MA, NY, VA, or VT. Subject to credit approval, program availability, and applicable terms and conditions.
More home-buying resources
Down Payment Assistance: Mortgage Help for First-Time Home Buyers
How Much Are FHA Closing Costs?
How Much Is an FHA Loan Down Payment?
More home-buying resources
Down Payment Assistance: Mortgage Help for First-Time Home Buyers
How Much Are FHA Closing Costs?
How Much Is an FHA Loan Down Payment?
