Can immigrants buy a house in the US?

Yes—many immigrants can buy a home in the United States, including people who do not have US citizenship or a green card. The harder question is usually whether they qualify for a mortgage and can comfortably afford the full cost of ownership.

Can you buy a home without a green card?

For many buyers, yes. But permission to own property and eligibility for a mortgage are separate questions.

Some state laws restrict foreign ownership based on factors such as nationality, residency, property type or location. Before signing a contract, have a real estate attorney check whether any restrictions apply to you and the specific property. Paying cash does not remove those restrictions.

Which mortgage options can immigrants use?

There is no single “immigrant mortgage.” Your options depend on your circumstances and the lender’s requirements.

• You have lawful permanent resident status: conventional mortgages and FHA financing, subject to the relevant income, credit and other requirements
• You are a lawful non-permanent resident: conventional financing may be available; the lender must review your status and supporting documents
• You use an ITIN instead of an SSN: an ITIN mortgage from a lender offering that program, with its own eligibility requirements
• You live abroad or rely on overseas income and assets: international-borrower or foreign-national mortgage programs

FHA rules are different. HUD removed eligibility for non-permanent resident borrowers for FHA case numbers assigned on or after May 25, 2025. Lawful permanent residents remain potentially eligible. A work permit alone should not be treated as proof that you qualify for FHA financing.

An ITIN is a federal tax identification number. It does not change your immigration status or authorize you to work in the US.

What if you have no US credit history?

A limited credit history can make financing more difficult, but it does not automatically make buying impossible.

Certain mortgage pathways allow nontraditional credit. Depending on the program, a lender may review documented payment histories instead of relying entirely on a standard credit score.

Ask lenders specific questions:

• Can you evaluate someone without a US credit score?
• Which rent, utility or overseas payment records do you accept?
• Does this option require a different down payment or additional savings?
• What would improve my eligibility if I cannot qualify today?

How much money do you really need?

Your down payment is only part of the upfront budget.

You also need closing costs—the expenses involved in arranging the loan and completing the purchase. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau suggests 2–5% of the purchase price as a rough early estimate, excluding the down payment. Actual costs depend on the location, property and loan.

For example, suppose you are considering a $400,000 home and a loan that accepts a 10% down payment:

• Down payment: $40,000
• Closing costs at 2–5%: $8,000–20,000
• Combined amount before moving, repairs and reserves: $48,000–60,000

Keep money available after closing for moving, immediate repairs and emergencies. If buying would leave you with almost nothing in the bank, consider a lower price range or more time to save.

Calculate the monthly cost beyond the mortgage

A listing price and a mortgage calculator do not show the whole household budget.

Include:

• Mortgage principal and interest.
• Property taxes.
• Homeowners insurance and any additional required coverage.
• Mortgage insurance, if applicable.
• Homeowners association or condominium fees.
• Utilities, maintenance and repairs.

Set your own comfortable spending limit before discussing the maximum loan amount with a lender. Leave room for your other expenses and savings goals.

Prepare your mortgage documents early

Ask for a written checklist before you begin serious house hunting. Depending on the program, it may include:

• Identification and immigration documents.
• An SSN or ITIN, as applicable.
• Pay statements, employment information and tax documents.
• Business income records if you are self-employed.
• Bank and investment statements.
• Information about existing debts.
• Records explaining gifts, large deposits or transfers.

Buy a home step by step

1. Check eligibility before viewing properties

Speak with lenders that handle cases similar to yours. Explain your residency status, income source, available savings and credit history.

2. Compare written mortgage offers

Request Loan Estimates for comparable scenarios. Review the interest rate, annual percentage rate, monthly payment, upfront fees, lender credits and whether the rate can change.

3. Search within your full budget

Compare properties by total ownership cost, location and condition.

Use TBI Listings real estate listings to explore available properties and contact advertisers. Ask about taxes, recurring fees and known repair needs before deciding that a listing fits your budget.

4. Review the property and contract

Ask your agent and attorney to explain inspection rights, financing conditions, deposit rules and deadlines.

5. Check the final figures and payment instructions

For most standard purchase mortgages, you should receive a Closing Disclosure at least three business days before closing.

Verify wire instructions with your settlement professional using a phone number you already know. Fraudsters can impersonate an agent or attorney and send convincing last-minute payment changes.

Understand taxes before buying an investment property

Buying a home to live in and buying one to rent out require different planning.

If you expect rental income or may later sell while living abroad, speak with a tax professional before purchasing. US tax residency is assessed under tax rules and should not be assumed from your visa label alone.

Your first practical move

Prepare a one-page summary of your documents, income, debts and savings. Take it to suitable lenders and ask what you qualify for, what is missing and how much cash you would need after closing.

With those answers, you can search for a home at a price that fits your circumstances—and know whether buying now or preparing for a later purchase makes more sense.