A Guide to Arizona's Local Down Payment Assistance Programs
Updated 1/06/2026
These programs can only be handled by approved lenders. If you would like help from a local realtor familiar with the programs and lenders, fill out this form here and I will connect you with one.
I've included all of the links and contact info needed to do this on your own, the form is meant to make it easier.
How Down Payment Assistance Works
I need to give a quick overview of how down payment assistance works. After that, the programs are listed.
With down payment assistance, you'll run into two different types:
- A grant
- A loan
A Grant
If we meet the qualifications up front, then it's money that does not need to be repaid.
A Loan
If the down payment assistance comes in the form of a loan, then pay attention to the three different types:
- Repayable
- Deferred
- Forgivable
Repayable is just as most imagine. It charges interest over a certain amount of time, with monthly payments until it's paid off.
Deferred loans usually don't require a monthly payment, and typically don't charge interest. It's due in full when you refinance, sell the home, or when it ceases to be your primary residence.
Forgivable loans will disappear if you meet the criteria, which usually comes down to keeping the home as your primary residence for a specific amount of time.
Okay with that, here are the programs!
Arizona
Home Plus Down Payment Assistance Program
- What It Offers: Up to 4% of the loan amount for down payment and closing costs.
- Eligibility:
- First-time and repeat homebuyers.
- Minimum credit score typically 640.
- Income limit up to approx. $146,503 (varies by county).
- Repayment: Forgivable loan after 5 years.
- Coverage Area: All Arizona counties.
- Status: Active.
- Website: homeplusaz.com
- Contact: info@homeplusaz.com | (800) 569-4287
Pima Tucson Homebuyer’s Solution
- What It Offers: 3%–5% assistance for down payment/closing costs.
- Eligibility:
- No first-time buyer requirement.
- Minimum credit score ~640.
- Income/debt ratio limits apply (e.g., ≤45% DTI).
- Repayment: Forgivable after 3 years or amortized over 30 years depending on option.
- Coverage Area: Pima County, including Tucson.
- Status: Active.
- Website: pimaida.org/programs-and-impact/pima-tucson-homebuyers-solution
- Contact: (520) 243-6670
Pathway to Purchase Program (P2P)
- What It Offered: Up to $20,000 for down payment in select AZ cities.
- Eligibility: Income ≤80% AMI, minimum credit 640, targeted cities only.
- Repayment: 0% second mortgage forgiven after 5 years.
- Coverage Area: 17 targeted cities.
- Flier: https://housing.az.gov/sites/default/files/Pathway_to_Purchase_Flier_v3.15.2016N.pdf
- Contact: Program sunset; no new applications.
Arizona Is Home Program
- What It Offers: 3%–7% DPA or up to $9,000 in some counties.
- Eligibility:
- First-time buyers (no home ownership in past 3 years).
- Income ≤120% AMI.
- Repayment: Deferred, 0% interest, terms vary by region.
- Coverage Area: All counties, with specific terms for Maricopa, Pima.
- Status: Active, launched 2024.
- Website: housing.az.gov
- Contact: (602) 771-1000 | housing@azhousing.gov
Home in Five Advantage Program (Maricopa County)
- What It Offers: Up to 6% assistance for down payment/closing costs.
- Eligibility:
- Credit score ≥640.
- Income ≤$153,440 (2025 limits).
- Extra 1% for teachers, first responders, military/veterans.
- Repayment: Forgivable loan after a set period.
- Coverage Area: Maricopa County only.
- Status: Active.
- Website: homein5advantage.com
- Contact: (602) 343-6260
City of Tucson Down Payment Assistance Program
- What It Offers: Up to 20% of purchase price as deferred loan.
- Eligibility:
- Income ≤80% AMI.
- HUD-certified education required.
- Buyer must contribute minimum $1,000 of own funds.
- Repayment: 0% interest; repayable if sold/refinanced before term.
- Coverage Area: City of Tucson and Pima County (excludes tribal lands).
- Status: Active.
- Website: tucsonaz.gov
- Contact: (520) 791-4171
Housing Solutions of Northern Arizona Pre-Purchase Assistance
- What It Offers: Counseling + DPA grants or matched-savings for qualified buyers.
- Eligibility: First-time buyers; must meet HUD low-income limits.
- Repayment: Depends on program funding structure.
- Coverage Area: Coconino County (including Flagstaff).
- Status: Active.
- Website: housingnaz.org/prepurchase
- Contact: (928) 214-7456 | info@housingnaz.org
Phoenix
Open Doors Homeownership Program (Phoenix)
- What It Offers: Up to 10% of purchase price as deferred loan.
- Eligibility:
- First-time buyers only.
- Income ≤80% AMI.
- Must complete HUD-certified education.
- Repayment: 0% interest, forgivable after affordability period (typically 15 years).
- Coverage Area: City of Phoenix.
- Status: Active.
- Website: phoenix.gov/housing
- Contact: (602) 262-6794
Flagstaff
Community Homebuyer Assistance Program (CHAP Flagstaff)
- What It Offers: Up to $50,000 in deferred loan for down payment/closing costs.
- Eligibility: Household income ≤150% AMI; must be first-time buyer.
- Repayment: 0% interest; repayable upon sale/refinance.
- Coverage Area: City of Flagstaff.
- Status: Active.
- Website: flagstaff.az.gov
- Contact: (928) 213-2752
Updated 1/06/2026
These programs can only be handled by approved lenders. If you would like help from a local realtor familiar with the programs and lenders, fill out this form here and I will connect you with one.
I've included all of the links and contact info needed to do this on your own, the form is meant to make it easier.