First-Time Home Buyer Programs in Arizona (2026 Guide)

Arizona first-time home buyer programs include statewide down payment assistance, local city grants, and federal loan options like FHA, VA, and USDA...

Arizona Industrial Development Authority (AzIDA) Programs:

AzIDA offers statewide and targeted down payment assistance (DPA) paired with 30-year fixed-rate mortgages (FHA, VA, USDA, conventional). Programs require homebuyer education and approved lenders. Verify current income/purchase limits at homeplusaz.com or housing.az.gov, as they vary by county, AMI, and household size.

HOME+PLUS Home Buyer Down Payment Assistance Program:

Eligibility: First-time and repeat buyers; available in all Arizona counties, cities, and ZIP codes.
Offerings: 30-year fixed-rate mortgage + up to 4% of purchase price/loan amount for down payment and/or closing costs. Compatible with FHA, VA, USDA, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac loans. Assistance is a silent second mortgage (0% interest, no payments), forgivable after 3–5 years (typically 3 years if not sold/refinanced early).
Requirements:

• Household income ≤ $146,503 (uniform statewide as of 2025–2026; confirm by county/loan type).
• Minimum credit score: 620+ (higher for some loans/manufactured homes; 640 common).
• Debt-to-income ratio ≤ 45% (up to 50% with 680+ score or compensating factors).
• At least one borrower must complete homebuyer education course.

Arizona Is Home:

Benefits: Below-market 30-year fixed-rate mortgage + up to 4% DPA as silent second mortgage (forgivable after 5 years/60 months if occupancy maintained).
Eligibility: First-time buyers only (no ownership in past 3 years); available in most Arizona counties except Maricopa and Pima (rural/smaller counties focus). Income up to 100% AMI (temporary increase; varies by county—e.g., lower in some rural areas).
Notes: Funding-limited; check status for 2026 availability/expansions.

Local & County Programs (Examples):

City/county programs provide additional forgivable assistance—often income-based (≤80–120% AMI) with residency/education requirements. Verify via local sites or HUD counselors for latest funding.

Maricopa County

Home in Five Advantage Program: Up to 6% of loan amount as forgivable DPA (after 3 years) for down payment/closing costs. Income up to ~$153,440; DTI ≤50%. Extra 1% possible for teachers, first responders, military, or low-income buyers (<$49,500 in some cases). Available for purchases in Maricopa County.

Pima County/Tucson

Pima Tucson Homebuyer’s Solution Program: Up to 20% of purchase price (or 5–6% in variants) as forgivable assistance (after 3 years; minimum buyer contribution often $1,000+). Income limits around 80% AMI (e.g., ~$126,351+ varies by household). Requires education/counseling; covers Pima County including Tucson.

Phoenix

Open Doors Down Payment Assistance: Up to 10% (capped ~$15,000) for down payment/closing costs via HUD-certified agencies. Requires 8-hour education + one-on-one counseling. Income ≤80% AMI; purchase price ≤$447,000; limited to Phoenix city limits.

Additional Information:

• Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC): Federal tax credit up to $2,000/year (20–40% of mortgage interest) for life of loan; available to first-time buyers, veterans, or targeted areas. $500 application + $100 annual renewal fees; combinable with some DPA programs (e.g., via CIC Tucson/Pima IDA).
• USDA Loans: 0% down in eligible rural Arizona areas; income limits apply.
• VA Loans: 0% down for eligible veterans/active-duty military.
• FHA Loans: 3.5% minimum down (580+ credit; 10% if below 580).

Programs and limits change frequently—always confirm with an approved lender or official sites. Seeking Agents® connects you with Arizona agents experienced in these programs who compete to offer reduced commissions or added services—free for buyers/sellers!