Arizona First-Time Home Buyer
Programs 2026: 5% Free Grant Statewide

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).