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.

Connect with a DPA team

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 $155,386 (2026 limit).

  • 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), discontinued

  • 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

  • Status: Discontinued. The Arizona Department of Housing no longer lists it among its homebuyer programs (checked 9/11/2026); the 2016 flier above is kept for reference only. No new applications.

Arizona Is Home Program

  • What It Offers: Down payment and closing cost assistance as a second mortgage, run three ways depending on where you buy:
    • Maricopa County, through Home in Five: 3%, 4%, 5% or 6% of the loan as a 7-year forgivable second. Income up to $131,520; first-time buyers who have lived in Arizona at least six months; credit score 640 or higher.

    • Pima County and Tucson, through the Pima Tucson Housing Innovation Hub: up to $15,000 as a 30-year forgivable second with no payments and no interest. 90 slots; the program is currently marked fully reserved.

    • Every other county, through the Arizona IDA: 4% of the loan. Income at or below 100% AMI (a temporary increase from 80%); first-time buyers, with exceptions for veterans and targeted areas. Not offered in Chino Valley.

  • Repayment: The Maricopa and Pima seconds are forgivable over their terms. The Arizona IDA second is non-forgivable, with the full balance due upon sale or refinance.

  • Coverage Area: Statewide, with the county-specific tracks above.

  • Status: Active. The Arizona IDA track closes for 2026 once its funds are exhausted; the Pima track is fully reserved as of 9/11/2026.

  • Website: housing.az.gov | Maricopa County (Home in Five) | Pima County (Housing Innovation Hub) | other counties (Arizona IDA)

  • 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 $50,000 or 20% of the purchase price, whichever is less, as a deferred loan.

  • Eligibility:
    • Income ≤80% AMI.

    • HUD-certified education required.

    • Buyer must contribute minimum $1,000 of own funds.

  • Repayment: Deferred with no monthly payments; 2% interest accrues during the affordability period, then is forgiven — the principal balance is due upon sale or refinance.

  • 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.