Arizona’s real estate market continues to draw interest from both in-state residents and out-of-state buyers, with demand especially strong in growing metro areas like Phoenix, Tucson, and Flagstaff. Despite relatively lower home prices compared to neighboring states, rising costs have made it tougher for many buyers, especially first-time homebuyers, to pull together enough for a down payment.
Fortunately, Arizona offers a wide variety of down payment assistance (DPA) programs aimed at making homeownership more achievable. Many of these programs provide grants or forgivable loans to qualified buyers, significantly reducing the amount of upfront cash needed to purchase a home.
This guide highlights some of the most widely available down payment assistance programs across the state. While not an exhaustive list, it focuses on the options most accessible to Arizona homebuyers today. We’ll continue updating this page as new programs are introduced or updated.
Before we dive into those, however, it’s useful to first understand one of the key terms used in DPA eligibility: Area Median Income (AMI).
What Is AMI and How Does It Impact DPA Eligibility?
Area median income, or AMI, is a term you’ll see frequently in down payment assistance program eligibility requirements. These programs often require that applicants make no more than a set percentage of their area's median income level.
Example: A DPA program requires that you make 100% or less of AMI. You find a house where AMI is $95,000 per year. You make $90,000 per year, so you may be eligible for the program.
You can search for AMI by property address using Fannie Mae’s lookup tool.
>>>DISCOVER: 10 Cheapest Places to Buy a House in Arizona
Statewide Down Payment Assistance Programs
Arizona offers a handful of programs available to buyers across nearly all counties and cities. These state-backed options tend to have generous funding and broad eligibility criteria.
Home Plus Program
The Home Plus Program offers a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at below market rates paired with up to 4% of the loan amount in down payment and closing cost assistance, provided as a forgivable second mortgage. The loan has 0% interest and is forgiven after a set period as long as you stay in the home. There is also a non-forgiveable option.
Eligibility: Household income must be $155,386 or less (2026), buyers must complete a homebuyer education course, and the assistance can be used statewide with no first-time homebuyer requirement.
Arizona Is Home Program
The Arizona Is Home Program offers a below-market 30-year fixed-rate mortgage and 4% down payment assistance as a forgivable second mortgage (forgiven after 5 years). Available in all Arizona counties except Maricopa and Pima.
Eligibility: First-time homebuyers, 620+ credit score, income at or below 100% of AMI, and purchase in an eligible rural county. Homebuyer education required.
Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) Program
Rather than a direct cash grant, the MCC Program provides a federal tax credit worth up to 40% of annual mortgage interest paid, helping reduce your federal tax bill each year. It's available statewide and can be used with many property types.
Eligibility: Buyers must be first-time homebuyers (or purchase in a “target area”), and the property must be owner-occupied. Income limits range from $101,100 to $141,540 (2026), depending on your household size and the location where you're planning to purchase.
Regional and County Down Payment Assistance Programs
These programs are limited to specific counties but offer generous assistance amounts and multiple repayment structures.
Home in Five Advantage (Maricopa County & Phoenix)
The Home in Five Advantage Program provides between 3% and 6% of the loan amount in down payment and closing cost assistance in the form of a non-repayable grant. It is available throughout Maricopa County, including Phoenix.
Eligibility: Household income must be $153,440 (2026) or less, buyers need a minimum credit score of 640, DTI must be 50% or less, and homebuyer education is required.
Also, check out the Home in 5 Platinum program.
Pima Tucson Homebuyer’s Solution (Pima County & Tucson)
The Pima Tucson Homebuyer’s Solution offers a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with down payment assistance up to 5%, delivered as a forgivable second mortgage or, for VA loans, a true grant.
Eligibility: Minimum credit score of 640, max DTI of 45%, and no first-time buyer requirement; income limits vary based on loan size and program version.
Light House Program (Pima County & Tucson)
The Light House Program offers a below-market fixed-rate mortgage and 4% in down payment assistance through a five-year forgivable second mortgage.
Eligibility: Buyers must be first-time buyers, have a credit score of at least 640, stay within IRS income and purchase price limits, and agree to owner-occupy the home.
Down Payment Assistance Programs by City
Some cities offer targeted DPA programs to help local residents become homeowners and stay within their communities.
Open Doors Down Payment Assistance (City of Phoenix)
The Open Doors Program offers up to 10% of the home’s purchase price as a deferred-payment loan at 0% interest that is fully forgiven after an occupancy period.
Eligibility: Buyers must be first-time homebuyers, earn no more than 80% of AMI, contribute at least $1,000 of their own funds, and complete HUD-certified education and counseling.
City of Tucson/Pima County DPA Program
The City of Tucson/Pima County DPA offers up to 20% of the purchase price as a 0% interest, deferred-payment loan to cover down payment and closing costs.
Eligibility: Household income must be at or below 80% of AMI, buyer must contribute at least $1,000, have three months of mortgage reserves, and complete a homebuyer education course.
Flagstaff Community Homebuyer Assistance Program (CHAP)
Flagstaff’s CHAP offers up to $50,000 in 10x matching funds for down payment and closing costs, delivered as a deferred 0% interest loan. If you contribute $5,000, the program will put in $50,000.
Eligibility: Buyers must not have owned a home in the past 3 years, live or have recently lived in Flagstaff for at least 2 months, and contribute personal savings to receive the match. Household income must not exceed 150% of the AMI.
Additional Arizona Down Payment Assistance Programs
Here are some extra options beyond the programs covered above.
Statewide Programs
Chenoa Fund (Nationwide program available in Arizona)
City Programs
Flagstaff Employer Assisted Housing Program (for City of Flagstaff employees)
Using Arizona Down Payment Assistance
Arizona offers a wide range of down payment assistance programs that can help reduce the upfront cost of buying a home. Whether you're looking in a major metro area or a smaller community, these resources are here to give you the financial boost needed to make homeownership possible. Experiment with our loan calculators and stay up to date with current mortgage rates to make the smartest financial decisions. If you're planning to buy in Arizona, taking advantage of these programs could make a real difference.
