Do I need a 20% down payment to buy a house in Texas?
No. FHA loans can allow 3.5% down, conventional loans as little as 3%, and VA and USDA loans can allow 0% down for eligible buyers. Down payment assistance programs can help further.
The 20% figure persists because putting less down on a conventional loan usually means paying mortgage insurance, but that is a cost decision, not a requirement to buy. Many Houston first-time buyers combine a low-down-payment program with state or city assistance to cover part of the upfront costs.
This answer is part of our guide What Credit Score Do You Need to Buy a House in Texas?, which covers loan minimums, Houston down payment assistance, and how to improve your score before applying.
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More questions
- What is the lowest credit score to buy a house in Texas?
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- What credit score do first-time home buyers need in Texas?
- Does checking my credit score hurt it?
- What credit score do I need for down payment assistance in Houston?
- Will a higher credit score get me a better mortgage?
Educational content only; not financial, legal, or tax advice, a commitment to lend, or an offer of credit. Program requirements vary by lender and change over time; eligibility depends on your full financial profile. Warens Financial Group, NMLS #2532048. Franklin Warens, Mortgage Broker, NMLS #1249423. Equal Housing Opportunity.
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Every situation is different. Our licensed Houston team can look at your credit, budget, and goals and tell you which programs may fit, en inglés o en español. Free, no obligation, and not a commitment to lend.