Home Loans for Single Moms: Grants 2025

Understanding home loans for single moms and dads

While there are no exclusive “home loans for single moms,” there are various mortgage programs that cater specifically to the needs of single moms and dads.

Still, single-mother home loans can help you overcome income-related hurdles when buying a home on your own. You may also qualify for grants for single moms to buy a house, first-time home buyer programs, or homebuyer education and counseling services that guide you through each step of the process. Buying a home as a single parent may be easier than you think.

In this article (Skip to...)

• Singles buying homes
• Loan types for single moms
• Single mom assistance grants
• Home buyer programs
• Down payment assistance
• Strategies to help you buy
• FAQ

Are there home loans for single moms or single dads?

When people talk about home loans for single moms, they’re usually referring to first-time home buyer programs and other mortgage options that support single parents. These loans aren’t reserved just for single moms buying a house, but women buying a home on a single income often use them. A 2024 report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) found that single women made up 20% of all home buyers, second only to married couples. Many of them were either first-time buyers or purchasing again after a previous home loan.

Buying a home with a single income is challenging. However, several government home loans for single mothers, like FHA loans, help make homeownership more affordable. Additionally, many lenders, non-profits, and state housing authorities offer first-time home-buying programs, down payment assistance, and housing grants for single mothers to buy a home. To help you take the next step, we’ve gathered the most helpful home loans for single moms available today.

Types of home loans for single moms

If you’re buying a home on a single income, flexible mortgage options can make all the difference. Home loans for single moms often have lower barriers to entry, with low- or no-down-payment programs available to help you secure financing.

Here are five of the more common home loans for single moms and dads.

>Related: Basic requirements to buy a house: 6 Must-haves for buyers

1. Conventional loans (3% down)

For those exploring home loans for single moms, conforming loans provide a flexible solution that can fit within a tighter budget. Conforming loans are a type of conventional loan that conforms to the rules laid down by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. You’ll need a down payment of only 3% of the home purchase price and a credit score of 620 or better. But you’ll have to pay private mortgage insurance (PMI) until you’ve reached 80% home equity.

HomeReady loan program

Due to its low down payment requirement (as low as 3%), flexible income options, reduced mortgage insurance, support for co-borrowers, and homeownership education, Fannie Mae’s HomeReady loan program is excellent for single moms and single parents.

Home Possible loan program

For single parents and single moms, Freddie Mac’s Home Possible loan program is a good option. This program makes homeownership more accessible and affordable for them by requiring a low down payment (as little as 3%), flexible income options, reduced mortgage insurance, support for co-borrowers, and homeownership education.

2. FHA loans

Backed by the Federal Housing Administration, FHA loans have a low down payment requirement of 3.5%. And at 580, the credit score threshold is lower than with conforming loans. Keep in mind that you’ll pay for mortgage insurance premiums (MIP) until you sell, refinance, or pay the loan amount in full. For this reason, many buyers choose a conforming loan if their credit score is 620 or higher.

3. VA loans

VA loans are available to veterans, active-duty service members, and eligible surviving spouses, and they offer key benefits like zero down payment, no ongoing mortgage insurance, and lower interest rates than many other types of loans. While the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs doesn’t set a specific credit score requirement, most lenders look for a minimum between 580 and 660. For those who qualify, VA loans are often among the best single-mom home loans available.

4. USDA loans

USDA loans, backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, require no down payment and a credit score of at least 640. You’ll need to buy in a designated rural area and have an average or below-average income for your target location. While you’ll still pay mortgage insurance premiums, they’re typically lower than with other types of loans. For those exploring home loans for single moms, this program can be a strong option, provided both you and the home meet the eligibility guidelines.

5. State-run home loan programs

Additionally, many states, cities, and counties offer home buyer programs, which typically provide down payment assistance to individuals with low or moderate incomes. These state-run home loan programs are often based on federal options, such as FHA, VA, or USDA loans, but may offer lower interest rates or additional benefits specifically for first-time home buyers. You can see a list of state home buyer assistance programs here.

Single mom first-time home buyer grants

Good Neighbor Next Door

The Good Neighbor Next Door provides affordable housing to single moms and dads who work as teachers, EMTs, law enforcement officers, or firefighters. Eligible buyers can get up to 50% off the list price of a home offered through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in a designated revitalization area. To qualify, you’ll need to commit to living in the home as your primary residence for at least 36 months.

National Homebuyers Fund

The National Homebuyers Fund is a nonprofit organization that assists both first-time and repeat home buyers with affordable mortgage rates, down payment assistance, and grants for single moms to buy a house. Qualified borrowers—including single parents—can get up to 5% of their mortgage loan amount to help cover upfront costs, depending on their financial situation.

Housing Choice Voucher Program

The Housing Choice Voucher Program, offered through select public housing authorities, provides qualifying renters with a pathway to homeownership by assisting with monthly mortgage payments, down payment requirements, and closing costs. Through local HUD offices, the program also includes homebuyer education and may offer access to housing grants for single mothers. Contact your local housing authority to learn whether it participates and what eligibility criteria apply.

Homeownership for Public Housing Residents

This program allows local public housing authorities to sell units to current residents or other low-income families. It offers home loans and housing grants for single moms in public housing, helping make homeownership more affordable. Many locations also provide financial literacy courses and post-purchase counseling to help first-time home buyers succeed.

State and local grants

Many state and local governments offer home grants for single moms to cover down payments, closing costs, or even part of the loan principal, and they don’t require repayment. Each program has its own eligibility criteria based on factors such as household income or first-time homebuyer status. For example, California’s Homebuyer’s Downpayment Assistance Program offers deferred-payment loans. To find options near you, check with your state housing agency, local housing department, or nonprofit partners that connect families with home-buying assistance programs.

Single parent home buyer assistance programs

You don’t have to face the home-buying process alone. Many home buyer assistance programs are designed for low-income or moderate-income borrowers, and that includes plenty of single parents.

Operation Hope

Operation Hope is a national nonprofit that connects first-time home buyers with HUD-certified coaches who help improve credit, manage debt, and explore home-buying assistance options. While housing grants for single mothers vary by state, some programs are available nationwide. In addition to these resources, your real estate agent or loan officer can often point you toward local down payment and closing cost assistance programs.

Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit housing organization active in all 50 states. Eligible participants will receive assistance in constructing their own homes with the help of qualified volunteers. You can apply for the program online or speak with your local chapter for more details.

Down payment assistance programs for single moms

You’ll find down payment assistance programs (DPA) in every state. They can help single parents cover the upfront expenses of getting a mortgage, such as down payments and closing costs. Many DPA programs pair with homebuyer education or counseling and can offer thousands of dollars in support, often up to 3%–5% of your purchase price. These programs vary by location, but many are designed to support low-income or moderate-income first-time home buyers, including single parents.

Most DPA programs fall into one of four categories:

• Grants for single moms to buy a house, which never need to be repaid.
• Forgivable loans with no interest or monthly payments, forgiven after a set number of years (often 5–10), as long as you stay in the home.
• Deferred loans have no interest or payments until you sell, refinance, or pay off the primary mortgage.
• Low-interest rate second mortgages, repaid in monthly installments alongside your first home loan.

Some programs may offer more generous assistance in neighborhoods undergoing revitalization. Others offer mortgage credit certificates or federal income tax credits that help you qualify with a lower debt-to-income ratio and put more money back in your pocket come tax time.

Down payment assistance requirements

Home buyer assistance usually comes with the following conditions. You must:

• Be a first-time home buyer (meaning you haven’t owned a home in the last three years)
• Complete a homebuyer education course
• Choose a mortgage lender from a list approved by the DPA program
• Have a household income at or below average for the area where you’re buying
• Not have significant savings or other assets
• Meet a minimum credit score threshold (often in the range of 580-640)
• Buy a home in an area covered by your DPA
• Buy a home within local purchase price limits

Each DPA is essentially free to set its own eligibility criteria and decide how much to allocate to applicants. So we can’t tell you whether you qualify for help or how much you might receive. But you can find out by doing a little research on your own (Google “down payment assistance in [your area]") or by asking your mortgage lender what’s available locally.

Tips for single mothers applying for home loans

Buying a home on one income can be tough, but there’s plenty of help for single mothers to buy a home. With the right strategies, you can overcome common hurdles like down payment or loan requirements and qualify for a home loan for single moms.

1. Use alimony, child support, and renter income

Your salary isn’t your only source of income. Mortgage lenders may also count alimony, child support, and even rental income, like renting out a room, as part of your total household income, which can strengthen your home loan application and improve your debt-to-income ratio.

2. Consider a co-borrower or co-signer

Adding a co-signer or co-borrower with reliable income can help you qualify for home loans for single moms, even if your credit or income alone doesn’t meet the lender’s requirements. Please note that this person also shares legal responsibility for the loan.

3. Improve your credit score

A good credit score can help you get lower interest rates and better loan terms. Review your credit history for errors, pay down existing debts, and make on-time payments to raise your score and improve your eligibility.

4. Save for a larger down payment

Even with down payment assistance programs, saving what you can gives you more flexibility and shows lenders you’re financially prepared. If you’re applying for single-mother home loans, you can also use grants, gifts, or housing programs to help meet the down payment requirement for your mortgage loan.

5. Lower your debt-to-income ratio

Reducing your monthly debt can make it easier to qualify for a home loan for single moms. Pay down credit cards, student loans, or other debts to create more room in your budget for a future mortgage payment.

6. Maintain steady employment and income

Mortgage lenders look for a stable job history and consistent income, especially if you’re applying for first-time home buyer programs or government-backed loans with income limits. A steady paycheck shows you’re able to manage monthly mortgage payments reliably.

7. No recent foreclosure or bankruptcy

A past foreclosure or bankruptcy doesn’t disqualify you from buying a home, but you’ll likely face a waiting period before you are eligible. Rebuilding your credit and showing financial stability can help you qualify for some home loans for single moms sooner than expected.

8. Shop for the best mortgage rates

Different lenders offer different terms. Get quotes from multiple mortgage lenders and compare interest rates and fees. Even a slight rate reduction can save you thousands over the life of your loan.

FAQ: Home loans for single moms

You may already be eligible for home loans for single moms

Many single parents, including mothers and fathers, may qualify for mortgage loans or down payment assistance without even being aware of it. Others may need to build credit or lower their DTI first, but there’s plenty of help for single mothers to buy a home, and finding it is easier than you might think.

A smart first step is visiting HUD.gov. The site links to local homebuyer education programs and DPA options by state. HUD also offers free or low-cost housing counselors who can walk you through eligibility, recommend the right single mom first-time home-buyer program, and connect you to local resources. You can search online or call HUD’s housing counseling hotline at (800) 569-4287.

You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. With the proper support, becoming a homeowner is closer than it seems.