Can Expats Get Help With Down Payments in the U.S.?
Yes, they can.
While most U.S. government programs are limited to citizens and green card holders, international buyers still have options. Whether you’re moving to the U.S. temporarily or buying a vacation or second home, first-time expats can qualify for mortgage solutions that ease the upfront burden.
Let’s explore what’s available and how to take advantage of it.
1. Why the Down Payment Is a Key Barrier
Foreign national mortgages in the U.S. usually require:
- 25%–30% down payment
- Full documentation of international income and assets
- Currency conversion and transfer timelines
For a $500,000 home, this means $125,000 or more upfront, not including closing costs. That’s where expat-friendly financing structures and lender-based assistance programs can help bridge the gap.
2. Government DPA Programs: Not an Option for Expats
While the U.S. has thousands of state and local down payment assistance (DPA) programs, these typically require:
- U.S. citizenship or permanent residency
- Domestic employment or tax history
- Local residency status
If you’re a non-resident buyer on a visa, work permit, or foreign passport, these programs do not apply.
But don’t worry, private solutions exist.
3. What Kind of Help Is Available?
✔️ Lower Down Payment Options Through Lenders
Some U.S. lenders, especially those focused on foreign national mortgages, offer programs that:
- Reduce minimum down payments to 20%
- Waive certain reserve or documentation requirements
- Bundle down payment with favorable rate structures
Tip: America Mortgages specializes in these programs, requiring no U.S. credit or residency.
✔️ Use of Foreign Assets
If you have wealth abroad, you can use:
- Foreign bank accounts
- International income or bonuses
- Liquid investments or business cash flow
…to qualify for a mortgage with reduced cash requirements. Lenders that accept international documentation can help first-time expats stretch their available liquidity.
✔️ Cross-Border Equity Unlocking
Own a home in Canada or the U.K.? You may be able to:
- Take out a HELOC (home equity line of credit) on your current home
- Use those funds as your down payment for a U.S. property
This strategy is becoming increasingly popular with expats who don’t want to disrupt their investments or sell local assets.
✔️ Gifted Funds
U.S. mortgage lenders generally accept family gifts for down payments, even from overseas. All you need is:
- A signed gift letter stating that the money is not a loan
- Proof of funds and transfer into a personal account
- Timely documentation aligned with the purchase process
This is a smart way for parents or spouses to support a first-time U.S. home purchase without formal co-ownership.
4. Can Expats Be Considered First-Time Buyers?
Yes, absolutely. In the U.S., “first-time buyer” typically means:
- You haven’t owned a home in the U.S. in the last 3 years
- You are purchasing your first-ever property in the U.S.
You can still qualify for foreign national mortgage programs even if you own property abroad. The key factor is that this is your first U.S. real estate purchase.
5. How to Get Started
Gather documentation: Passport, proof of funds, foreign income, and banking details
Speak with a specialized lender: Regular U.S. banks often can’t help foreign buyers
Ask about reduced down payment structures: Not all lenders offer them, but many do
Explore co-financing or gifted funds: These options are fully legitimate and widely accepted
Final Takeaway
Even without access to U.S. government aid, first-time expats can reduce the burden of down payments with the right strategy and lender. Whether through foreign asset leveraging, gifted funds, or lender-based concessions, your U.S. homeownership journey doesn’t have to start with six figures in cash.
📧 Questions about down payment assistance or expat financing?
Contact: [email protected]
Website: www.americamortgages.com
Speak to a U.S. Loan Expert 24 hours a day / 7 days a week: +1 845-583-0830
Need help getting started? Use their 24/7 online booking tool to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a licensed U.S. mortgage advisor. https://www.americamortgages.com/home-mortgage-for-foreign-national-form/
