What changed in Arizona down payment assistance — July 1, 2026
✓ Compares the Arizona IDA guidelines dated April 6, 2026 vs. July 1, 2026
The July 1, 2026 update mostly raised the income limits on Arizona Is Home, so more buyers across Arizona now qualify. The core terms — 4% assistance, non-forgivable, 620 score, $481,176 price cap — did not change. Home Plus kept its $155,386 income limit and added loan-status auto-notifications. Here is the county-by-county detail.
What changed, at a glance
| Program | Changed July 1, 2026 | Unchanged |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Is Home | Income limits raised (100% AMI refresh) in most counties; added loan-status auto-notifications | 4% assistance, non-forgivable, 620 score, $481,176 price cap, statewide except Maricopa/Pima/Chino Valley |
| Home Plus | Added loan-status auto-notifications | $155,386 income limit (set 4/6/26), 620 score (680 on DTI 45.01–50%) |
Arizona Is Home income limits — before & after
Maximum borrower income by county (100% of area median income). These figures decide who qualifies.
| County | Apr 6, 2026 | Jul 1, 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apache | $55,300 | $66,300 | +$11,000 |
| Cochise | $71,200 | $78,500 | +$7,300 |
| Coconino | $101,900 | $106,000 | +$4,100 |
| Gila | $76,100 | $78,900 | +$2,800 |
| Graham | $81,100 | $84,100 | +$3,000 |
| Greenlee | $88,400 | $83,500 | −$4,900 |
| La Paz | $66,700 | $66,300 | −$400 |
| Mohave | $73,800 | $79,900 | +$6,100 |
| Navajo | $67,200 | $66,300 | −$900 |
| Pinal | $109,600 | $112,400 | +$2,800 |
| Santa Cruz | $66,100 | $66,300 | +$200 |
| Yavapai (excl. Chino Valley) | $87,300 | $92,200 | +$4,900 |
| Yuma | $76,200 | $79,300 | +$3,100 |
Maricopa and Pima counties are not on this list — those metros use Home in Five and the Pima Tucson Homebuyer’s Solution, each with its own limits.
What it means for buyers
- More people qualify. Higher income ceilings mean buyers who were just over the line in spring may now fit, especially in Apache, Mohave, Cochise, and Yavapai.
- Worth a fresh look. If a first-time homebuyer was declined on income before July 1, re-run it under the new limits.
- The trade-off is unchanged. Arizona Is Home is non-forgivable — you repay the 4% when you sell or refinance. If you already have savings, a lower-cost option may win. We will tell you straight.
Sources
- Arizona Industrial Development Authority — Arizona Is Home Mortgage Assistance Program Program Guidelines, revised April 6, 2026 and July 1, 2026.
- Arizona Industrial Development Authority — Home Plus Program Guidelines, revised July 1, 2026. homeplusaz.com
FAQ
What changed in Arizona Is Home on July 1, 2026?
The July 1, 2026 update raised the Arizona Is Home income limits (100% of county AMI) in most counties — for example Apache rose from $55,300 to $66,300 and Mohave from $73,800 to $79,900 — and added loan-status auto-notifications. The 4% non-forgivable assistance, 620 minimum credit score, and $481,176 purchase price cap did not change.
Did Home Plus change on July 1, 2026?
Home Plus kept its $155,386 borrower income limit (set April 6, 2026) and added loan-status auto-notifications. Home Plus is a separate program from Arizona Is Home, though both run through the Arizona Industrial Development Authority.
Is Arizona Is Home forgivable?
No. For 2026 the Arizona Is Home assistance is a non-forgivable second lien — the full balance is due when you sell or refinance. There is no forgiveness during the term.
See current figures for all programs on our DPA figures page, or the full Arizona Is Home breakdown.