Down payment assistance, grants, forgivable loans, and tax credits available to Arizona buyers. Each program below is verified, with eligibility rules, benefit amounts, and a direct link to the official agency.
Last reviewed September 2026·5 programs·6 federal programs
Administered by Arizona Department of Housing & Arizona IDA
4% of first mortgage amount (2026 program funding capped at $55 million)
4% DPA paired with a below-market 30-year fixed-rate first mortgage. For reservations on or after July 1, 2026 the DPA is a non-forgivable 0% interest, no-payment deferred second mortgage due in full on sale or refinance (Arizona IDA does not subordinate). Reopened to new reservations April 6, 2026; program pauses when annual funds are exhausted.
Income limit
Income up to 100% AMI (temporary increase from 80% AMI, in effect since May 1, 2025); Arizona IDA product available in Apache, Cochise, Coconino, Gila, Graham, Greenlee, La Paz, Mohave, Navajo, Pinal, Santa Cruz, Yavapai and Yuma counties; not available in Maricopa County, Pima County or Chino Valley
Minimum credit score620
First-time buyer requiredYes
Special requirements: First-time buyer required (waived for veterans and targeted areas). The AZ IDA version currently excludes Maricopa County, Pima County, and Chino Valley.
Tucson/Pima County HOME Consortium Down Payment Assistance Program
Administered by City of Tucson Housing and Community Development (Tucson/Pima County HOME Consortium)
Up to $50,000 or 20% of the contract sales price, whichever is less
Deferred loan with no monthly payments during the affordability period; 2% interest accrues but is forgiven, while principal is repaid on sale of the home.
Income limit
Household income at or below 80% of HUD Area Median Income (2025 limits shown) (income limit family: $79,850 (household of four)) (max purchase price: $304,000 existing homes; $345,000 new construction)
First-time buyer requiredYes
Special requirements: Home in Tucson or Pima County (excluding tribal lands); must work with a partner housing counseling agency
View official program page
Contact a partner agency (Administration of Resources and Choices, Chicanos Por La Causa, or Pima County Community Land Trust); the Consortium does not accep...Verified September 2026
Home in Five Advantage
Administered by Maricopa County IDA & Phoenix IDA
Up to 6% of loan amount
Down payment and closing cost assistance in Maricopa County (Phoenix area): 3-5% of the loan plus an extra 1% for K-12 teachers, first responders, military/veterans, and lower-income buyers. Second mortgage forgiven monthly over 3 years.
Income limit
Income up to $153,440
Minimum credit score640
First-time buyer requiredNo
Special requirements: Must purchase in Maricopa County.
Administered by Arizona Industrial Development Authority
Up to 4% of loan amount
Up to 4% of the loan amount as a 0% interest, no-payment second mortgage fully forgiven after 60 months (5 years); statewide, no first-time buyer requirement; income limit $155,386 as of April 6, 2026; funding available year-round with no sunset date.
Income limit
Income up to $155,386 statewide
Minimum credit score640
First-time buyer requiredNo
Special requirements: Available to first-time and repeat buyers. Credit requirements vary by first-mortgage type. Homebuyer education required.
Phoenix Open Doors Down Payment Assistance Program
Administered by City of Phoenix Housing Department
Up to 10% of the purchase price
Deferred-payment 0% interest loan of up to 10% of the purchase price for down payment and/or closing costs, fully forgiven after the affordability period (up to 15 years depending on amount); can be layered with other DPA.
Income limit
Household income at or below 80% AMI (HUD limits effective June 1, 2026) (income limit family: $89,900 (household of four))
Max home price$470,250
First-time buyer requiredYes
Special requirements: First-time homebuyer per FHA definition; home within City of Phoenix; 8-hour homebuyer education plus HUD-approved counseling; minimum $1,000 buyer investment; two-year home warranty; property inspection
View official program page
Schedule an eligibility appointment with a loan administration partner (Trellis 602-258-1659 or CPLC 602-457-4609)Verified September 2026
Federal programs (also available to Arizona buyers)
Good Neighbor Next Door
HUD · Federal program
50% off list price
Law enforcement, teachers, firefighters, and EMTs can buy HUD homes at 50% discount in revitalization areas.
3% minimum down payment with no minimum borrower contribution; income at or below 80% AMI (2026 AMIs effective June 13, 2026); reduced, cancellable mortgage insurance; $2,500 credit for very low-income first-time buyers on loans purchased through February 28, 2027.
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify?
Most Arizona programs require first-time buyer status, but the definition is broader than most people think — the IRS considers you a first-time buyer if you haven't owned a primary residence in the last three years. Each program above lists its specific rules.
What credit score do I need?
Minimum credit scores vary by program. Most Arizona programs require 620 to 660, though some lower-tier products accept lower scores with manual underwriting. Check each program's eligibility section above.
How do I actually apply?
Most state programs aren't applied to directly — you go through a participating lender, who handles the program application as part of your mortgage. Each program above links to the official agency page with the current list of approved lenders.
Can I combine multiple programs?
Often yes — many states allow you to stack a state down-payment grant with a federal FHA or VA loan. Some programs explicitly forbid combining; check each program's "special requirements" above.
Do these programs cost anything?
The programs themselves are free to apply for. Some require completing a homebuyer education course (typically $50–$100, sometimes free). Forgivable second mortgages technically don't cost you unless you sell or refinance early — read the terms carefully.
