Discover how eligible homebuyers can put down just 1% and receive up to $7,000 toward their down payment. This unique program from United Wholesale Mortgage is designed to help more people become homeowners with less upfront cash.
Verify Your UWM 1% Down Payment Eligibility
Contribute just 1% down and Up to 2% covered (max $7,000) by UWM.
Available nationwide through UWM-affiliated brokers.
Ideal for first-time and low-to-moderate-income buyers.
The UWM 1% Down Payment Program is a low down payment mortgage option designed to help qualified homebuyers purchase a home with just 1% down.
United Wholesale Mortgage contributes an additional 2% (up to $7,000) toward the buyer’s down payment, bringing the total to the 3% required for a conventional loan.
This program is ideal for first-time buyers and households earning 80% or less of the area median income.
It’s available nationwide through UWM-affiliated mortgage brokers. With no repayment required on the 2% grant, this program offers a more affordable path to homeownership.
Looking for a low-cost way to buy your first home? Here’s why the UWM 1% Down Payment Program stands out:
Only 1% Down Required: You bring just 1% to the table — that's $3,000 on a $300,000 home.
Up to $7,000 in Free Down Payment Assistance: UWM covers 2% of the purchase price (max $7,000) as a non-repayable grant.
Ideal for First-Time and Low-to-Moderate-Income Buyers: Designed for households earning 80% or less of the area median income.
Available Nationwide: Use it with a UWM-approved mortgage broker in all 50 states.
No Second Loan, No Repayment: Unlike many down payment programs, the 2% assistance is a true gift, not a loan.
This program makes homeownership more accessible — even in high-cost markets — by cutting the upfront cash you need.
Think this program might be right for you? Here’s a quick checklist to see if you qualify:
Income Limit: Your household income must be at or below 80% of your area's median income (AMI). Not sure what that is? A broker can check for you.
Credit Score: You’ll need a minimum FICO score of 620 (higher scores may improve your rate).
Property Type: Eligible homes include single-family residences, condos, and manufactured homes — as long as you plan to live there.
Loan Type: Must qualify for a conventional loan under Fannie Mae HomeReady or Freddie Mac Home Possible guidelines.
Location: The program is available in all 50 states, but you must apply through a UWM-affiliated broker.
You don’t have to be a first-time homebuyer, but the program is designed with first-timers in mind.
This program is designed for people who are financially ready to own a home but need help clearing the down payment hurdle. If you fit into one of these groups, it may be a strong option:
First-time homebuyers who have steady income but haven’t been able to save a large down payment.
Renters who are tired of rising monthly payments and want to start building equity.
Working professionals with good credit but limited savings due to student loans or other expenses.
Low- to moderate-income households earning 80% or less of the area median income.
Homebuyers in expensive markets where traditional down payments are out of reach, even for modest homes.
If you have stable income, decent credit, and the motivation to buy — but just need help getting over the upfront cost — this program could make all the difference.
Understanding the limits helps you know if you're eligible for the UWM 1% Down Payment Program. Here’s a clear, easy-to-read breakdown:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum Household Income | 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for your location |
| Where to Check Your AMI | Use Fannie Mae’s HomeReady or Freddie Mac’s Home Possible eligibility tools |
| Applies To | All borrowers on the loan |
Example: If the AMI in your area is $80,000, your total household income must be $64,000 or less.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum Loan-to-Value (LTV) | 97% |
| Minimum Down Payment | 1% (borrower) + 2% (UWM grant, up to $7,000) |
| Maximum Loan Amount | Conforming loan limit (usually $726,200 for 2025, varies by county) |
| Property Type | Primary residence: single-family, condo, or manufactured home |
Bottom Line: You may qualify if your income is under 80% of your area's AMI and you're buying a home with a conforming loan. Always confirm your local limits with a mortgage broker.
These FAQs go beyond the basics to give you helpful, lesser-known insights about how the program works and who it benefits.
No — the 2% contribution from UWM is a true grant and never has to be repaid, even if you sell or refinance later.
Yes, many borrowers use state or local down payment assistance to help cover closing costs or supplement the 1% contribution.
The loan amount is based on the lower of the purchase price or appraised value, so you may need to pay the difference out of pocket.
No — the program is available to repeat buyers too, as long as you meet the income and property requirements.
Yes, gift funds from family or approved donors can be used to satisfy your 1% contribution requirement.
Yes, as long as they are your primary residence and meet Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac eligibility standards.
Yes, PMI is required until you reach 20% equity — but you can remove it once your loan-to-value ratio drops below 80%.
Lower credit scores (closer to 620) typically come with higher interest rates and PMI premiums, so a higher score can save you money.
Yes, but you’ll need to provide consistent income documentation — usually two years of tax returns and profit/loss statements.
Yes, but only for finished homes that are ready for occupancy — not for homes under construction or using construction loans.
We’re not just another mortgage resource — we specialize in helping first-time buyers navigate complex programs like the UWM 1% Down Payment Program.
Our team has guided thousands of first-time homebuyers through the process of securing low down payment financing and accessing grants and assistance many didn’t even know they qualified for.
With a track record of supporting billions in closed loans and deep expertise in down payment assistance programs nationwide, we make sure you’re not just pre-approved — you’re prepared.
From explaining income limits to getting you the best possible rate, we’re here to help you buy smarter, not just faster.
