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 that stack on top of the statewide Home Plus program. Here's what's actually available and how to qualify.
By Mike Certo, Cornerstone First Mortgage · NMLS #260555 · Updated 2026-06-08
DPA programs available in Maricopa County
Three program families serve Maricopa County buyers, each with different income caps, amounts, and credit floors.
Home in Five Advantage (Maricopa-only)
Run by the Phoenix and Maricopa County Industrial Development Authorities. Offers 4% of the loan amount as a grant (5% for qualifying public servants — teachers, sworn law enforcement, full-time hospital healthcare, active military, paid firefighters/EMTs). Income cap roughly $153K for 2026. Credit score floor 640. Works with FHA, conventional, and VA primary mortgages. Covers down payment plus closing costs in most scenarios. The bonus 1% for public servants is one of the most generous targeted-occupation DPA stacks in Arizona.
Home Plus (statewide, including Maricopa)
Arizona Department of Housing's flagship program. Three down-payment assistance levels: 1%, 2.5%, 4%, or 5% of the loan amount, depending on the loan type and pricing tier you choose. Income cap varies by program tier — generally $112-$130K in Maricopa County for most tiers. Credit score 640+. Works with FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional first mortgages. Especially useful in the parts of Maricopa County outside Phoenix proper (Surprise, Buckeye, Litchfield Park) where Home in Five Advantage caps may be tight.
Pathway to Purchase
National Homebuyers Fund's program available in selected Arizona cities including parts of Maricopa County. Provides up to 5% of the loan amount in down payment plus closing cost assistance. No first-time-homebuyer requirement. Income cap around $112K. Useful for repeat buyers who don't qualify under Home in Five's first-time-buyer rule.
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 $153K): Pathway to Purchase + national programs (Chenoa, Arrive, Essex/NHF) 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 Advantage adds 1% to the standard grant — 5% total. On a $375K Maricopa home, that's $1,875 of additional assistance over the base 4% grant. The eligibility paperwork is straightforward (current pay stub + employer verification letter) but you have to ask for it at application.
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.