The 2026 Arizona Down Payment Assistance Guide
A plain-English breakdown of every major Arizona down payment assistance program — how much you can get, what it costs, and who qualifies. Read it here, or get the printable version emailed to you.
What is down payment assistance in Arizona?
Down payment assistance (DPA) is money — usually a forgivable or deferred second loan, sometimes a grant — that covers part or all of your down payment and closing costs. Most Arizona DPA is not paid back monthly; you repay only if you sell or refinance early (and often not even then). You do not have to be a first-time buyer for most programs.
Statewide: Home Plus
The Arizona Industrial Development Authority's Home Plus program offers up to 5% of the loan amount toward your down payment and closing costs, statewide. Minimum credit score is 620; the borrower income cap is $155,386 (as of April 2026). It pairs with FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional loans.
Metro Phoenix (Maricopa): Home in Five Advantage
In Maricopa County, Home in Five reaches up to 6.5% with its public-servant and boost tiers (5% base + 1% for teachers/first responders + 0.5% boost). Minimum credit score 640; household income cap $157,360 (as of June 2026).
Tucson (Pima): Pima Tucson Homebuyer's Solution
Pima County buyers have the Pima Tucson Homebuyer's Solution, offering down payment and closing-cost assistance with its own income limits and eligible areas.
National programs that also work in Arizona
- FHA loan — 3.5% down, flexible credit (as low as 580 on its own).
- Fannie Mae HomeReady / Freddie Mac Home Possible — as little as 3% down for lower-income buyers.
- Chenoa Fund — national down payment assistance that layers onto an FHA loan.
- USDA loan — 0% down in eligible rural areas (parts of Pinal, Coconino, and rural Arizona).
Do you qualify?
Eligibility comes down to credit, income limits, and the property/price — and every program is a little different. The fastest way to see your exact match is the 2-minute matcher below. No credit check, no obligation.
Figures verified 2026; income caps and program terms change — confirm current amounts with a specialist. Sources: Arizona IDA (azihda.gov), HUD, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac. This is not a commitment to lend.