: Usually requires a higher down payment (often 15–25%) and carries higher interest rates.

: This is a specialized conventional loan option that allows you to buy a home for an elderly parent or a disabled adult child who cannot qualify for a mortgage on their own.

: You act as the bank, lending the money directly to your relative at a minimum interest rate set by the IRS, known as the Applicable Federal Rate (AFR). 2. Understand Ownership and Legal Structures

How you hold the title determines what happens if someone passes away or if you decide to sell: Helping a family member buy a home - Merrill Lynch

: Typically requires the home to be a certain distance from your primary residence (often 50+ miles) and may have higher rates than a primary mortgage.

Depending on your goals and the relative's financial situation, you can structure the purchase in several ways:

: You can find these options through major lenders like SoFi or FNBO .

Buying a house for a relative to live in involves choosing a financial structure that balances your budget with your desire for control and potential tax benefits. Because these are "non-arm's length transactions," lenders and the IRS often provide closer scrutiny. 1. Choose a Financing Strategy