Buying a House Without Family Money (Yes, It’s Possible)

Jul 16

Let’s get this out of the way: not everyone has a parent ready to Venmo them a down payment. And yet, homes are still being bought. So how do you win in a market where nearly 1 in 4 young buyers are getting help from the Bank of Mom & Dad?

You out-strategize them.

A new Redfin study says 24% of Gen Z and millennial buyers are using family cash gifts or inheritance to buy homes. Meanwhile, the rest of us? We’re piecing it together with side hustles, roommates, and maybe a little light crying in the shower

But if you’re not a “nepo-homebuyer” (Fox 7 Austin), don’t count yourself out. You just need a different playbook.

The Real Talk: Homeownership Without Handouts

Here’s how other buyers are doing it without family help:

Living lean: Nearly 20% moved back in with family or shared a space to save cash fast.
Getting creative: Buyers are selling stock, using crypto, or leveraging retirement funds (not for everyone, but it’s happening).
Stacking programs: Down payment assistance, first-time buyer perks, FHA/VA loans, and city-specific grants are powerful tools—and wildly underused.

And the biggest one? Savings. Over half of recent buyers still pulled primarily from their own income. It’s not easy. But it’s doable—with a plan.

Our Austin Advice: Strategy > Subsidy

At Open House Austin, we work with buyers across the board—those with family support and those bootstrapping every dollar. If you’re in the latter group, here’s what you need to know:

Start early. Give yourself time to save and build your credit. That combo is gold.
Use the tools. We know the grants, the lenders, the tricks—let us help.
Buy smart. House hacking, partner buying, duplex splits, even sneaky ADUs… this is where creativity beats capital.
Time the market for you—not for the headlines. Austin’s still offering real opportunities for first-timers if you know where to look (and we do).

You Don’t Need a Rich Uncle to Buy a House

You just need the right info, a solid plan, and people in your corner who actually give a sht* about making homeownership more accessible.

We’re not here to shame nepo-buyers—but if that’s not your situation, don’t let it stop you. We’ve helped plenty of folks buy homes with $0 in family support and still come out ahead.