Arizona Down Payment Assistance Programs 2026: Home Plus, Home in Five & More

Arizona down payment assistance programs in 2026 can cover between 4% and 20% of a home's purchase price, and several programs are forgivable — meaning you never have to repay the money if you stay in the home long enough. For first-time buyers in Phoenix and Scottsdale, these programs can be the difference between buying now and waiting years to save a traditional down payment.

At Pillar Mortgage Group, we work with buyers across Metro Phoenix every week who don't realize how much assistance is available. Here is a plain-English breakdown of the main 2026 programs, including statewide options and Maricopa County-specific programs.

Home Plus AZ: Arizona's Statewide Down Payment Assistance Program

Home Plus AZ is administered by the Arizona Industrial Development Authority and is available to buyers in every ZIP code across the state. The program pairs a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage — conventional, FHA, VA, or USDA — with up to 5% of the purchase price in down payment assistance, provided as an interest-free second mortgage that is forgiven over three years.

On a $350,000 Phoenix home, 5% is $17,500 toward your down payment or closing costs. If you stay in the home for three years, the assistance is completely forgiven. If you sell or refinance before three years, you repay the remaining unforgiven portion.

Eligibility requires a minimum credit score of 640, income limits that vary by county and household size, and completion of a home buyer education course. Home Plus carries a slightly higher mortgage rate than standard wholesale pricing, so it's worth comparing your all-in payment with and without the assistance before committing.

Home in Five Advantage: Maricopa County's Most Accessible Program

The Home in Five Advantage program is specific to Maricopa County — covering Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, and surrounding cities — and provides up to 6% in assistance through an interest-free, forgivable second mortgage. Both first-time buyers and repeat buyers may qualify.

There's an additional 1% available — for a total of 7% — for buyers who are elementary school teachers, first responders, U.S. military members or veterans, or who earn $49,500 or less annually. The minimum credit score is 640. Income limits apply based on area median income, and purchase price must fall within program guidelines that are updated periodically.

Home in Five Platinum: First-Time Buyer Focus in Maricopa County

Home in Five Platinum is a separate Maricopa County program specifically for first-time homebuyers, offering up to 4% of the loan amount as a 0% interest, forgivable second mortgage. Veterans and buyers in targeted areas may also qualify even without being first-time buyers. The assistance can be applied toward the down payment, closing costs, or prepaid expenses.

City of Phoenix Down Payment Assistance

The City of Phoenix offers its own down payment assistance for buyers whose household income is at or below 80% of the area median income. Because program details and availability change, buyers in Phoenix should call (602) 262-3111 to confirm current terms before planning around this program.

Tucson and Pima County: Up to 20% Assistance

For buyers in Tucson and Pima County, the City of Tucson's Down Payment Assistance Program offers loan amounts up to 20% of the purchase price. Buyers must occupy the home as a primary residence, complete HUD-certified counseling, contribute at least $1,000 of their own funds, and maintain two months of mortgage payment reserves. The Pima Tucson Homebuyers Solution Program (PTHS) offers 100% financing for eligible Pima County buyers.

How Down Payment Assistance Works in Practice

To use a down payment assistance program, you typically need to work with an approved lender enrolled in that specific program. As a mortgage broker, Pillar Mortgage Group has access to many of these programs and can compare the all-in cost of a DPA loan against standard conventional financing. You can browse current Arizona listings at Arizona Luxury Property Search while exploring which program fits your purchase goals, and see what's trending at Homes.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best down payment assistance program in Arizona in 2026?

For buyers anywhere in Arizona, Home Plus AZ offers up to 5% statewide with a 640 minimum credit score. For Maricopa County buyers, the Home in Five Advantage program offers up to 6%, and up to 7% for teachers, veterans, and first responders. Veterans should also evaluate VA loans, which require zero down payment and typically have better pricing than state DPA programs.

Do you have to be a first-time buyer to qualify for Arizona down payment assistance?

Not always. The Home in Five Advantage program in Maricopa County is available to both first-time and repeat buyers. Most programs require that the home be your primary residence and that you meet income limits, but not all require that you have never owned a home before.

Is Arizona down payment assistance forgivable?

Several Arizona programs provide forgivable assistance. Home Plus AZ forgives the second mortgage over three years, and the Home in Five programs are also structured as forgivable second mortgages. If you stay in the home through the forgiveness period, you owe nothing.

Can I combine down payment assistance with an FHA loan in Arizona?

Yes. Home Plus AZ explicitly allows the assistance to be paired with FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional loans. A buyer using an FHA loan could use the Home Plus program to cover the 3.5% down payment and potentially reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket costs at closing, subject to program income and credit limits.

Pillar Mortgage Group is a Scottsdale-based mortgage brokerage specializing in helping Arizona buyers navigate every type of loan scenario — from conventional and FHA to DSCR, bank statement loans, and down payment assistance programs. Ready to start your search? Browse current listings at Arizona Luxury Property Search.

Visit pillarmortgagegroup.com to learn more or get started today.

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About Pillar Mortgage Group
Pillar Mortgage Group, LLC is a licensed mortgage brokerage based in Scottsdale, AZ. Company NMLS# 2700076 | Arizona License MB-2009671 | Equal Housing Lender.
9089 E Bahia Dr 101A, Scottsdale, AZ 85260

This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Program terms, income limits, and availability are subject to change without notice. Not a commitment to lend. All loans subject to credit approval. Pillar Mortgage Group conducts business in accordance with the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act.