Arizona First-Time Home Buyer
Programs 2026: 5% Free Grant Statewide
Arizona's HOME+PLUS program gives buyers up to 5% of the loan amount as a free grant — never repaid. On a $350,000 home, that's $17,500 free. No first-time buyer requirement. Available statewide. Check HOME+PLUS eligibility now →
Last updated: September 1, 2026 · Verified against Arizona IDA HOME+PLUS program guidelines and local DPA databases.
HOME+PLUS: Why It's Arizona's Best Program
How Much Can You Get?
Key Requirements:
- ✓ 640+ credit score
- ✓ Household income under $112,785
- ✓ Purchase price under $480,000
- ✓ Must use HOME+PLUS-approved lender
- ✓ Owner-occupied primary residence only
- ✓ NOT limited to first-time buyers!
- ✓ Grant NEVER needs to be repaid
⚠️ ATTENTION: NOT ALL LENDERS ARE APPROVED FOR HOME+PLUS
Don't Waste Time with the Wrong Lender — Most Are Not HOME+PLUS-Approved
The Arizona HOME+PLUS program requires you to work with a HOME+PLUS-approved participating lender. Using a lender that isn't certified means your free grant disappears — even if you qualify. Match with a verified AZ-approved lender right now:
| # | Lender | Rate | Min Credit | Close | Best For | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Rocket Mortgage 🏆 BEST OVERALL | 6.50% | 640 | 21-30d | Best overall + fastest close | Get Pre-Approved in AZ → |
| #2 | Desert Financial CU 🌵 AZ LOCAL | 6.45% | 640 | 30-45d | Best AZ-local HOME+PLUS expert | Get Pre-Approved in AZ → |
| #3 | Guild Mortgage 📋 DPA EXPERT | 6.55% | 640 | 30-40d | Best for HOME+PLUS DPA grant | Get Pre-Approved in AZ → |
| #4 | Fairway Independent ⭐ TOP RATED | 6.50% | 640 | 25-35d | Highest customer rating 4.7/5 | Get Pre-Approved in AZ → |
| #5 | New American Funding 🌎 BILINGUAL | 6.65% | 640 | 30-40d | Best for bilingual borrowers | Get Pre-Approved in AZ → |
All Arizona Home Buyer Programs 2026
HOME+PLUS (Statewide)
All Arizona · Income: $112,785 household
Home in Five Advantage
Maricopa County only · Income: $115,920 (1–2 person)
Pathway to Purchase
Targeted zip codes only · Income: 80% AMI (~$56K–$73K)
City of Phoenix DPA
Phoenix city limits · Income: 80% AMI
Tucson DPA
Tucson city limits · Income: 80% AMI
USDA Loan (Rural AZ)
USDA-eligible areas · Income: $119,850 (1–4 person HH)
Arizona First-Time Buyer FAQ
What first-time home buyer programs are available in Arizona in 2026?
Arizona first-time home buyer programs in 2026 include: (1) HOME+PLUS Program — up to 5% of loan amount as down payment assistance (never repaid). Available statewide. (2) Home in Five Advantage — up to 3% DPA for Maricopa County (Phoenix area) buyers. (3) Pathway to Purchase — up to $20,000 for buyers in targeted zip codes. (4) USDA loans — $0 down for rural/suburban Arizona. (5) VA loans for veterans. (6) FHA loans — 3.5% down, 580+ credit. Arizona's HOME+PLUS program is especially powerful — 5% DPA with no income limits for homes up to $480,000.Check your personalized rate →
What is the HOME+PLUS program in Arizona?
HOME+PLUS is Arizona's flagship down payment assistance program, available statewide. Key features: Up to 5% of the loan amount as a grant (never repaid). Works with FHA, VA, USDA, Fannie Mae (HFA Preferred), and Freddie Mac (HFA Advantage) loans. Maximum purchase price: $480,000. No first-time buyer requirement — any buyer can use it. Income limit: $112,785 household (as of 2026). Credit score: 640+ minimum. The program is funded by the Arizona Industrial Development Authority (AZIDA). No monthly payment or repayment required — it's a true grant.Check your personalized rate →
What are the income limits for Arizona first-time buyer programs?
Arizona income limits by program for 2026: HOME+PLUS statewide: $112,785 household income (all sizes). Home in Five (Maricopa County): $115,920 for 1–2 persons, $135,240 for 3+ persons. Pathway to Purchase: 80% AMI (varies by zip code — typically $55,000–$75,000). Phoenix city programs: income varies by household size. Tucson DPA programs: 80% AMI (~$55,000 for 1 person). Most Arizona buyers will qualify for HOME+PLUS as it has the highest income limit. For buyers above $112,785, Conventional loans without DPA are the best option.Check your personalized rate →
Can I buy in Phoenix or Scottsdale with down payment assistance?
Phoenix area (Maricopa County) buyers have multiple options: (1) HOME+PLUS — available statewide including all Phoenix metro zip codes. Up to 5% DPA, $112,785 income limit, homes up to $480,000. (2) Home in Five Advantage — specifically for Maricopa County buyers. Up to 3% DPA, slightly different income limits. (3) City of Phoenix down payment assistance — up to $15,000 for income-qualified Phoenix city limits buyers. (4) Scottsdale DPA — limited program for Scottsdale city limits buyers. For Scottsdale's higher prices (median $900K+), HOME+PLUS has a $480K limit, so it only applies to entry-level homes. Many Scottsdale buyers use conventional loans.Check your personalized rate →
How do I apply for the HOME+PLUS Arizona program?
How to apply for HOME+PLUS in Arizona: (1) Confirm eligibility: credit score 640+, income under $112,785 household, purchase price under $480,000. (2) Complete homebuyer education course (if required by lender). (3) Find a HOME+PLUS-approved lender — must use an approved participating lender; not all lenders offer the program. (4) Apply for your first mortgage through the approved lender. The HOME+PLUS assistance is automatically layered on top. (5) Close and receive the 5% grant — deposited at closing, never repaid. Processing time: 30–45 days typical. Available year-round until program funds run out (funded annually by AZIDA bonds).Check your personalized rate →
Get Your Free Arizona HOME+PLUS Grant
5% of your loan amount — never repaid. Find an approved lender today and get pre-approved with your grant stacked in.
About the Author
Our editorial team researches this topic using primary sources (Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA) and lender-published data, and reviews this content regularly for accuracy.
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