What is the minimum down payment needed to buy a home?

You can buy a house  with 5% down!  However to qualify for this your credit must be clean and in good standing.  You can borrow the 5% if you qualify.  There is a insurance fee associated with this type of purchase but it makes sense in some situations. Regardless of the down payment chosen you must be able to show that you can cover the applicable closing costs (Legal fees, appraisal fees and a survey certificate when appropriate).