Home Buying Options May 2026

: A popular choice for first-time buyers with strong credit, requiring only 3% down .

: Major banks have specialized 2026 programs, such as: home buying options

: Friends or family members jointly purchasing a property to share costs and build equity together. : A popular choice for first-time buyers with

In 2026, the landscape of home buying has shifted significantly, with it now being . While the median down payment for first-time buyers reached a 30-year high of 10% in 2025, a record 2,624 assistance programs are currently active, offering average benefits of $18,000 to help bridge the affordability gap. 1. Traditional Mortgage Options (2026) While the median down payment for first-time buyers

Most buyers utilize standard mortgage products, many of which require far less than the mythical 20% down payment.

: Available to veterans and active-duty military, these often require $0 down and no monthly mortgage insurance.