🏠How to Buy a Home With Zero Down Payment in 2025 (Yes, It’s Possible!)💸

Hello Hampton Roads,

Can you really buy a home in 2025 with Zero down payment — even if you're not a first-time buyer? 

Yep—Even if you’ve bought before.

Right now, there are multiple 100% financing programs available across Hampton Roads designed to help both first-time and repeat buyers get into a home with minimal upfront costs. Whether you're tired of renting in Virginia Beach or ready to upgrade in Chesapeake, these options could be your ticket to homeownership without draining your savings.

Let's break down the local programs, what they cover, and how to take advantage of them—so you can move into home ownership with confidence and keep more cash in your pocket.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• ✅ Several loan programs offer 100% or more financing—even for repeat buyers
• ✅ Eligible buyers can receive up to $40,000 for down payment or closing cost assistance
• ✅ Programs are available across Hampton Roads, including Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, and surrounding cities
• ✅ VA loans, Virginia Housing, USDA, and FHLB programs all provide no-down options
• ✅ Scheduling a quick consult could save you thousands and fast-track your path to ownership

💰 What “Zero Down” Really Means in Hampton Roads

When we say “zero down,” we’re talking about no required down payment—which is typically the largest upfront cost in a home purchase.

Most buyers typically put down 3–20% of the purchase price. But with the right financing program—and the help of local grants and incentives—that down payment can be reduced to zero.

Now, zero down doesn’t mean zero out-of-pocket. You’ll still have costs like closing fees, inspections, appraisals, and prepaid taxes or insurance. But here’s the good news: many of these programs can be stacked to help cover those expenses and make homeownership more affordable.

🏡 Knowing how to navigate these options is key—and it’s exactly what I help buyers do every day in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and beyond.

Top Zero Down and 100% Financing Loans and Grants

💸 100% Financing Options in Hampton Roads (2025)

Explore powerful programs designed to help buyers in Hampton Roads purchase with little or no upfront cost:

Program	Buyer Type	Max Benefit	Key Features
VA Loan	Veterans & Active Duty	100% Financing	No PMI, flexible credit, no down payment
Virginia Housing DPA Grant	First-Time Buyers	100% Financing	Free grant for FHA or Conventional loans; never repaid
Virginia Housing Plus Second	First-Time & Repeat Buyers	101.5% Financing	Covers down payment and some closing costs (Bond and non bond)
FHLB Community Partners	First-Time & Repeat (Eligible Professions)	Up to $20,000	Grants for teachers, first responders, healthcare, vets
FHLB First-Time Buyer	First-Time Buyers	Up to $17,500	Helps with down payment or closing costs
Local Community Grants	First-Time Buyers	Up to $40,000	City programs for Portsmouth, Chesapeake, Norfolk

💡 Pro Tip: Use a local expert to confirm which of these programs are currently funded and available for your location and income. 

🧠 Who Qualifies for These Programs?

Each program has its own guidelines, and many have income limits based on family size. For example, Virginia Housing grants for households of 2 or fewer can have a maximum income of up to $84,000.000. Higher income limits up to $105K for 2 or fewer or $121K for 3 or more,  can be used with the plus program which offers 101.5% financing and the expanded non-bond program allows for 100% with incomes up to $160K.

FHLB programs and local city programs have lower income limits typically up to 80% of AMI(area median income) based on household size. You can use this lEligibility varies by program, but most have income limits based on household size and location. Here's how it breaks down:

• Virginia Housing offers multiple programs with different income caps. For example, standard grant programs are available to households of 1–2 people earning up to $84,000 annually.

• If your income is higher, you may still qualify for the Plus Second Mortgage (which offers up to 101.5% financing) or the Expanded Non-Bond program, which allows for 100% financing with income limits up to $105,000 for households of 1–2 people or $121,000 for households of 3 or more.

• The Expanded Non-Bond program can go as high as $160,000, depending on location and family size.

• FHLB (Federal Home Loan Bank) programs and some local city grants typically have lower income limits, often capped at 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). These limits vary by location and household size. You can check your eligibility using this income calculator:
  👉 FHLB Income Qualification Tool

🧭 Here's a general overview of who qualifies:

• 🟦 First-time buyer doesn’t always mean “never owned”—you may qualify if you haven’t owned a home in the past three years.
• 🎖️ VA loans are available to veterans, active-duty service members, and eligible surviving spouses.
• 🏛️ Virginia Housing programs serve both first-time and repeat buyers, depending on the specific loan or grant. These require homebuyer education and working with an approved lender.
• 🏙️ FHLB and city-sponsored grants may be available to both first-time and repeat buyers. These typically include income limits based on AMI and require homebuyer education plus approved lender participation.

❓ FAQs About Buying a Home With No Money Down

1. Do I have to be a first-time buyer to get zero down?
No. VA loans, Virginia Housing Plus, and FHLB Community Partner grants are open to repeat buyers too.

2. What’s the catch with these programs?
There’s no “catch,” but you do have to meet certain requirements—credit score, income, property condition, etc. Some require homebuyer education or working with specific lenders.

3. Can I combine down payment assistance with a regular mortgage?
Yes. Virginia Housing, for example, offers grants or second mortgage options that pair with FHA or Conventional loans.

4. Do I still need money for closing costs?
Often, yes—but some programs help cover them. And in some cases, sellers may agree to contribute toward closing costs as part of your purchase offer.

5. How do I know which program is best for me?
That’s what consultations are for! We’ll match your goals and finances with the programs that give you the best opportunity to buy smart and save money.

🔑 How to Get Started (and Avoid Common Mistakes)

If you’re even thinking about buying in 2025, start preparing now. Here’s what to do:

1. Check your credit and fix any issues that could impact your approval

2. Know your numbers — income, monthly debts, rough price range

3. Get pre-approved by a lender familiar with local 100% financing programs

4. Book a free consultation to walk through your options and strategy

✨ Ready to Buy with Zero Down?

Buying a home with no money down isn’t just for the lucky few—it’s for informed buyers who take the time to explore their options.

Let’s talk about your goals, your eligibility, and what it takes to make homeownership happen this year—without draining your savings.

💡 Zero Down Doesn’t Mean Zero Strategy

100% financing is real—and it’s reshaping how smart buyers enter the market in Hampton Roads. From VA and USDA loans to Virginia Housing and FHLB grants, the path to homeownership is more accessible than ever. But stacking programs and navigating eligibility takes expert guidance.

I’ll help you decode the options, avoid costly missteps, and build a strategy that fits your goals and budget. Whether you're a first-time buyer or making a comeback, let's make your move count.

📅 Book Your Free Homebuyer Strategy Call

Thanks for Reading,

Back to Hampton Roads Real Estate Ramblings

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Liz Schuyler, Virginia Beach Real Estate Agent
RE/MAX Allegiance

Liz Schuyler is a top Virginia Beach REALTOR® with RE/MAX Allegiance, licensed since 2001 and trusted across Hampton Roads. With 350+ homes sold, she helps clients Sell, Move, and Invest with confidence and strategy.

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