Arizona down payment assistance programs in 2026

Arizona programs at a glance (2026)

Home Plus (Arizona IDA)	Statewide. Assistance up to 4%, forgiven after 5 years if you stay. Income limit listed at $155,386 as of April 6, 2026.
Arizona Is Home (Arizona IDA)	Pinal County yes; Maricopa and Pima no. 4% second loan, no interest or payment; under 2026 terms it's repaid when you sell or refinance. Pinal income limit $112,400. 620 minimum credit. First-time buyer rule with exceptions.
Home in Five Advantage	Maricopa County. Forgivable assistance; not limited to first-time buyers. Credit and income limits apply.
City of Phoenix Open Doors	Homes in the city of Phoenix. First-time buyers at or under 80% of area median income. Homebuyer education required; funding is limited.
Works with	FHA, VA, USDA, and certain conventional loans, depending on the program

What down payment help can I get in Arizona?

Most help comes as a second loan or grant that pays part of your down payment and closing costs. The big programs in my area are run by the Arizona Industrial Development Authority (Arizona IDA), the Maricopa County and Phoenix IDAs, and the City of Phoenix. You use them through a participating lender alongside your first mortgage.

How does Home Plus work?

Home Plus is Arizona's statewide program. Based on its published guidelines, the assistance is up to 4% of your loan and is forgiven after five years if you stay in the home. It has a higher income limit than most programs, listed at $155,386 as of April 6, 2026, and you don't have to be a first-time buyer.

How does Arizona Is Home work in Pinal County?

Arizona Is Home is offered in certain counties, including Pinal, but not Maricopa or Pima. It's a 4% second loan with no interest and no monthly payment. Under the 2026 terms, it's no longer forgiven over time, so you repay it when you sell or refinance. The Pinal County income limit is listed at $112,400, the credit minimum is 620, and at least one borrower takes a homebuyer class. Full details: Arizona Is Home in San Tan Valley (2026).

Is there down payment help in Maricopa County?

Yes. Home Plus works in Maricopa County, and Home in Five Advantage is a Maricopa County program with forgivable assistance that isn't limited to first-time buyers. Phoenix buyers can also look at the city's Open Doors program, which serves first-time buyers at or under 80% of area median income and requires homebuyer education. Exact amounts and limits change, so I confirm the current terms the week you apply.

Which program is best for me?

It depends on your income, credit, the county, how long you'll stay, and your first mortgage. A program that's forgiven after five years might beat a bigger one you repay later, or not. I'll run the options side by side.

Can I get down payment help if I'm not a first-time buyer?

Often, yes. Home Plus and Home in Five aren't limited to first-time buyers. Arizona Is Home has a first-time buyer rule, with exceptions for qualified veterans and homes in certain targeted areas.

What else lowers the cash I need?

Seller credits. In today's market, many Pinal County and East Valley sellers are open to paying part of a buyer's closing costs. Pair that with down payment help and the cash you bring to closing can drop a lot. See seller-paid closing costs.

Subject to eligibility, credit approval, and program guidelines. Programs can change.