Down payment assistance and first time homebuyer programs in Arizona
November 18, 2025
Down Payment Assistance
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.
Arizona
Hey there! If you're thinking of buying a home for the first time, and haven't saved up for a down payment, you still might be able to get it done.
Before I jump into the programs, let me briefly explain how down payment assistance works.
How it works
Down payment assistance comes in two forms: a grant, or a loan
A grant doesn't require repayment.
A loan does require repayment, but there are 3 different ways:
Monthly repayment. This is where they charge you interest and a monthly payment until the loan is paid off
Silent second. This is where they don't charge you interest, they don't charge you monthly payments, they just require that you pay it back when you sell the home.
Forgivable. This is where they forgive the loan as long as you meet certain criteria. A common requirement is that you live in the home as your primary residence for a set number of years. Once you've completed the timeframe, they forgive your loan and you don't need to pay it.
Approved lenders only
These programs can only be handled by approved lenders. If you would like help from a local realtor familiar with the programs and lenders with access, fill out this form here and I will connect you with one.
Now that we have that out of the way, let's jump in! Below are the local programs available to help make homeownership more accessible.
Home Plus Down Payment Assistance Program
- What It Offers: Provides up to 5% of the loan amount for down payment and closing costs.
- Who Qualifies: First-time and repeat homebuyers with a minimum credit score of 640.
- Income Limits: Must not exceed $126,351.
- Repayment: Assistance is a forgivable loan with a three-year term.
- **Website:**https://homeplusaz.com/
Pima Tucson Homebuyer’s Solution
- What It Offers: Provides 3% to 5% in down payment assistance.
- Who Qualifies: Homebuyers purchasing in Pima County and Tucson.
- Income Limits: Based on area median income (AMI).
- Repayment: Forgivable after a set period.
- Where to Apply: https://pimaida.org/programs-and-impact/pima-tucson-homebuyers-solution/
Pathway to Purchase Down Payment Assistance
- What It Offers: Provides up to $20,000 in down payment assistance.
- Who Qualifies: Homebuyers purchasing in designated cities.
- Income Limits: Based on program-specific guidelines.
- Repayment: A second mortgage forgiven over time.
- Website: https://www.downpaymentassistancearizona.com/programs/pathway-to-purchase/
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.
Arizona Is Home Mortgage Assistance Program
- Coverage: Available in all Arizona counties except Maricopa and Pima.
- Assistance: Provides a below-market 30-year fixed-rate mortgage combined with 4% down payment and closing cost assistance.
- Eligibility: First-time homebuyers with annual incomes at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
- Website: https://housing.az.gov/general-public/programs-homebuyers
Maricopa County
- Home in Five Advantage Program
- Assistance: Offers up to 6% of the loan amount for down payment and closing costs.
- Eligibility: Homebuyers must have a minimum credit score of 640 and meet income limits. Additional assistance is available for teachers, first responders, military personnel, and veterans.
- Website: https://homein5advantage.com/
City of Tucson
- Down Payment Assistance Program
- Assistance: Offers financial aid to eligible homebuyers purchasing within the City of Tucson and Pima County, excluding Tribal lands.
- Eligibility: Specific criteria apply; interested individuals should contact the program administrators for detailed information.
- Website: https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Housing-and-Community-Development/Advancing-Affordable-Housing/Down-Payment-Assistance-Program
Coconino County
- Housing Solutions of Northern Arizona – Pre-Purchase Assistance
- Assistance: Combines pre-purchase counseling with financial assistance for down payment or matched savings programs to help eligible, low-income, first-time homebuyers.
- Eligibility: Applicants must meet specific income and program requirements.
- Website: https://www.housingnaz.org/prepurchase
Phoenix
Open Doors Homeownership Program
- Assistance: Provides up to $15,000 toward down payment and/or closing costs.
- Eligibility: Applicants must meet specific income requirements and other criteria.
- Repayment: Details about repayment terms are not specified; it's advisable to contact the program administrators for more information.
- Website: https://www.phoenix.gov/housing/buying-affordable-housing
Flagstaff
Community Homebuyer Assistance Program (CHAP)
- Assistance: Offers up to $20,000 in matching funds for down payment and closing costs.
- Eligibility: Designed for households that meet specific income requirements and other criteria.
- Repayment: Details about repayment terms are not specified; it's advisable to contact the program administrators for more information.
- Website: https://www.flagstaff.az.gov/4376/Homebuying-Assistance
Note: Program availability, eligibility criteria, and assistance amounts can change. It's recommended to contact the respective city offices or program administrators directly to obtain the most current information and application procedures.
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.