0 Down Payment: Can You Buy Property with No Money Down?

When you hear 0 down payment, a way to acquire property without putting any cash upfront. It sounds too good to be true—and sometimes it is. But it’s not just a myth. People are buying homes, apartments, and even commercial spaces with $0 down, and it’s happening right now in markets across the U.S., Australia, and parts of India. The trick? It’s not about luck. It’s about structure—how you finance it, who you work with, and what kind of property you’re targeting.

Most people assume you need 10%, 20%, or even 30% down to get a mortgage. That’s true for traditional home loans. But there are other paths. Seller financing, when the property owner acts as the bank and lets you pay them over time is one. Government-backed loans, like VA loans for veterans or USDA loans for rural areas let you borrow 100% of the value. Then there’s creative partnerships, where you team up with an investor who covers the down payment in exchange for a share of the profits. These aren’t loopholes—they’re legal tools used by experienced buyers every day.

But here’s the catch: no money down doesn’t mean no risk. If the property doesn’t rent out or sell fast, you’re stuck with payments, maintenance, and maybe even a credit hit. Lenders who offer 0 down usually demand higher credit scores, proof of steady income, or a strong rental history. And if you’re looking at commercial property, forget about it unless you’ve got a solid business plan and cash reserves to cover 6–12 months of expenses. The posts below show real cases—from people who used VA loans to buy their first home with $0 down, to investors who flipped commercial spaces using seller financing. Some succeeded. Others lost money. The difference? Preparation.

What you’ll find here isn’t a sales pitch. It’s a collection of real stories, legal realities, and financial breakdowns. You’ll see how someone in Virginia got a rental property with no down payment using a lease-option deal. You’ll read about a couple in Australia who bought a 2BHK apartment with $0 down by piggybacking on a family member’s equity. You’ll learn why some lenders refuse 0 down deals for commercial buildings—and what alternatives exist. This isn’t about getting something for nothing. It’s about understanding the trade-offs so you don’t get trapped.