Anonymous:

It has to be 20%. Is it correct?

Not correct.

Of course it depends on the type of loan, the amount of the loan, the purpose of the loan, the qualifications of the borrower, the type of property, and a raft of other factors, but generally speaking there are many options for purchasing homes with less than 20% down. There are even a few options to purchase property with no down payment in certain situations. If you need more information about a specific situation, contact one of the professionals on this site that does business in your state.

FHA is still doing loans with as little as 3.5% down.

VA and USDA are the last 2 programs standing that still offer 100% financing. They have specific qualifying guidelines so not everyone can take advantage of them. Some states offer 100% financing. Maryland has a CDA program that offers 100% financing.  There are property and income restrictions with the program so once again it is not for everyone.

I'm doing my first HUD owned $100/down purchase right now. Pretty good deal too. HUD publishes a list of foreclosed properties that are eligible for the $100/down program.

Conventional still offers 3-5% down but it is a bear to qualify for. 10% down is much easier.

While I don't think a lot of programs from 2006 should have existed, there are quite a few that have been eliminated that I miss dearly right now.