Maricopa County Down Payment Assistance — 2026 Programs
Maricopa County buyers have the most DPA options in Arizona. Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, Glendale, Tempe, Gilbert, and Surprise all qualify for Maricopa-specific programs plus the statewide Home Plus program. You typically choose one DPA program per home purchase — most programs do not allow combining multiple DPA assistance amounts. Here's what's actually available and how to pick the right one.
By Mike Certo, Cornerstone First Mortgage · NMLS #260555 · Updated 2026-06-08
DPA programs available in Maricopa County
Two main programs serve Maricopa County buyers, each with different income caps, amounts, and credit floors. Here's how they compare.
| Feature | Home in Five (Maricopa-only) | Home Plus (statewide) |
|---|---|---|
| Max assistance | Up to 6.5% of loan amount | Up to 5% of loan amount |
| Income limit | $157,360 household (as of June 10, 2026) | $155,386 borrower ($146,503 with FHA/VA/USDA/conventional HFA) |
| Credit score | 640 | 640 |
| First-time buyer? | No — repeat buyers allowed | No — repeat buyers allowed |
| Loan types | FHA, VA, USDA, conventional | FHA, VA, USDA, conventional |
| Repayment | Soft second, no monthly payment | Forgivable/deferred, no monthly payment |
Home in Five Advantage (Maricopa-only)
Run by the Phoenix and Maricopa County Industrial Development Authorities. Offers up to 5% of the loan amount, plus a 1% bonus for teachers, first responders, military, Veterans, and income-qualified buyers, plus a 0.5% boost — up to 6.5% total. Maximum household income is $157,360 as of June 10, 2026. Credit score floor 640. Works with FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional first mortgages, and Veterans are eligible. The assistance is a soft second with no monthly payment. The occupation bonus is part of Home in Five — it does not stack with a separate DPA program. See our current DPA figures for the latest caps.
Home Plus (statewide)
The Arizona Industrial Development Authority's flagship program. It provides up to 4% of the loan amount, plus an extra 1% for active-duty service members and Veterans, for up to 5% total. Borrower income caps at $155,386, or $146,503 when paired with an FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional HFA loan. Credit score 640. The help comes as a forgivable or deferred soft second with no monthly payment. Home Plus runs statewide, so it covers every Maricopa city and the parts of the county outside Phoenix proper (Surprise, Buckeye, Litchfield Park) where you still want a strong option.
Repeat buyers and higher incomes
You don't have to be a first-time buyer in Maricopa County. Both Home in Five and Home Plus allow repeat buyers, so prior homeownership doesn't automatically disqualify you. If your income lands above the program caps, national down payment assistance options like Chenoa, Arrive, or Essex can fill the gap. We'll point you to the right path based on your real numbers.
How to pick the right program for your Maricopa-metro target
Each city in Maricopa County has different price dynamics, which affects which program math works best. Quick guide:
- Phoenix proper (central, west, south): Home in Five Advantage usually wins on dollar-for-dollar assistance. Income limits are most generous for this area.
- Mesa, Tempe, Gilbert, Chandler: Home in Five works for most buyers. Above $400K purchase price, Home Plus often produces lower total cost over 5 years.
- Scottsdale (most of): Home Plus is the practical fit since most Scottsdale homes exceed Home in Five's loan-amount limits. Public-servant buyers should still ask about Home Plus targeted tiers.
- Glendale, Surprise, Litchfield Park, Buckeye, Goodyear: Home in Five or Home Plus both work. Run the numbers both ways.
- Higher-income Maricopa buyers (over $157,360): National programs (Chenoa, Arrive, Essex) are usually the only fit.
Maricopa County public-servant DPA bonus
If you work in K-12 public education, sworn law enforcement, paid fire/EMS, full-time hospital healthcare, or active military, Home in Five adds a 1% bonus toward the maximum 6.5% of assistance. On a $375K Maricopa home, that 1% is $3,750 of additional help. Veterans qualify here too. The eligibility paperwork is straightforward (current pay stub plus an employer verification letter), but you have to ask for it at application.
Maricopa County DPA — frequently asked questions
Do you have to pay back down payment assistance in Arizona?
No, you don't repay Home in Five or Home Plus on a monthly basis. Both use a forgivable or deferred soft second lien with no monthly payment, so the assistance never adds to your house payment. The lien sits quietly behind your first mortgage. You only choose one DPA program per purchase, and the program terms spell out exactly how the lien is handled.
How much down payment assistance can I get in Maricopa County?
You can get up to 6.5% of the loan amount through Home in Five (Maricopa-only) or up to 5% through Home Plus (statewide). Home in Five gives up to 5%, plus a 1% bonus for teachers, first responders, military, and Veterans, plus a 0.5% boost. On a $375,000 loan, 6.5% is about $24,375 toward your down payment and closing costs.
What credit score do I need for Maricopa DPA?
You need a 640 minimum credit score for Home in Five and 620 for Home Plus. FHA on its own allows scores as low as 580. There is no single DPA credit score; it depends on the program. If your score sits just under your program's floor, we can map out a short plan to get you over the line before you apply.
Do I have to be a first-time buyer to use Maricopa DPA?
No, you usually don't have to be a first-time buyer. Both Home in Five and Home Plus allow repeat buyers, so owning a home before doesn't automatically disqualify you. Where "first-time" does come up, it generally means you haven't owned a primary residence in the past three years. We'll confirm which rule applies to your exact program and scenario.
Home in Five vs Home Plus — which is better in Maricopa County?
Home in Five usually wins inside Maricopa County because it gives up to 6.5% versus Home Plus's 5%, and its household income cap is $157,360. Home Plus runs statewide with a $155,386 borrower cap ($146,503 with government loans). Both allow repeat buyers and pair with FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional. We run the numbers both ways before you write an offer.
Do I need a homebuyer education course for Maricopa DPA?
Yes, most Arizona DPA programs require a homebuyer education course, including Home in Five and Home Plus. The course usually runs about 4 to 8 hours, is available online, and is often free or around $50 to $100. You finish it before closing and provide the certificate. We send you the approved course link early so it never slows down your timeline.
Can I combine two DPA programs in Maricopa County?
No, you cannot combine two DPA programs — it's one DPA program per purchase. What does work by design is layering one DPA program with your first mortgage (FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional). Bonus tiers inside Home in Five for teachers, first responders, and Veterans are part of that one program, not a second program stacked on top.
Is DPA always the right move in Maricopa County?
No, down payment assistance isn't always the right move. DPA can carry slightly higher first-mortgage pricing, so if you already have savings for the down payment, a standard loan may cost less over time. We'll compare your DPA scenario against paying your own down payment and tell you honestly which one wins for your numbers.
Next step
The right Maricopa County DPA program depends on your specific income, credit, and target neighborhood. A 20-minute call walks through the math on your scenario across all three program families before you write an offer. Schedule a free consultation or call (480) 296-6513.