Down payment assistance

Down payment assistance in Arizona

2 programs can help buyers in Arizona with a down payment and closing costs. Most are for first-time buyers with moderate incomes and are used with a participating lender.

Check which programs fit your situationDown payment assistance finder

Home Plus

Open · Forgivable loan

Up to 4% assistance for down payment and closing costs

A no-interest, no-payment deferred second mortgage paired with a Home Plus 30-year fixed first mortgage, run by the Arizona Industrial Development Authority. It is completely forgiven after 5 years (60 months); a sale or refinance within the first 60 months requires repayment, and the Arizona IDA does not subordinate. The Arizona IDA says it offers both forgivable and non-forgivable options, and each assistance option carries a different first-mortgage rate.

Who qualifies: Statewide in all counties. Borrower income not to exceed $155,386 (as of 4/6/2026). One borrower must complete homebuyer education before closing. Minimum credit score and DTI are set in the product matrix (published as an image; confirm with lender). First-time buyer status not required. Must use a Home Plus approved lender.

Arizona Industrial Development Authority · Agency website → · Checked 2026-09-30

Arizona Is Home

Open · Deferred loan

4% of the total first mortgage balance

A no-interest, no-payment deferred second mortgage paired with a below-market 30-year fixed first mortgage. For 2026 it is non-forgivable: the entire balance is due on sale or refinance, with no subordination. 2026 funding is capped at $55 million, and the program closes for the year once that is used.

Who qualifies: Rural counties only (not Maricopa or Pima County, and not Chino Valley). First-time homebuyers, with exceptions for qualified veterans and targeted areas. Income at or below 100% of AMI (county limits effective 7/1/2026). Minimum credit score 620. Homebuyer education required before closing.

Arizona Industrial Development Authority (with the Arizona Department of Housing) · Agency website → · Checked 2026-09-30

How assistance usually works

Most programs are a second loan with no monthly payment that is forgiven over time or repaid when you sell or refinance, and some are grants. You usually need a program first mortgage from a participating lender, a homebuyer education course and income under the program’s limit. Apply before you make offers, so your pre-approval reflects the help.

Programs change often; confirm the details with the agency.