Updated May 2026 • Maricopa County, AZ

FHA Loan Limits Phoenix AZ 2026: Maricopa County $546,250 + DPA Programs

2026 FHA limit: $546,250 (single-family) · 3.5% down with 580+ credit · Arizona DPA: up to 5% grant, no repayment

Covers most Phoenix, Mesa, Glendale, Surprise & Buckeye homes · Scottsdale may need jumbo

David Rodriguez, Refinance & Rate Specialist
Mortgage RefinancingRate AnalysisMarket Trends

2026 FHA Loan Limits: Maricopa County (Phoenix Metro)

Property Type2026 FHA Limit (Maricopa)National BaselineMin Down (3.5%)
1-Unit (Single Family)$546,250$524,225$19,119
2-Unit (Duplex)$699,300$671,200$24,476
3-Unit (Triplex)$845,300$811,275$29,586
4-Unit (Fourplex)$1,050,500$1,008,300$36,768

💡 Key Fact: The 2026 Maricopa County FHA limit of $546,250 covers the median home in Phoenix ($385K), Mesa ($385K), Glendale ($345K), Surprise ($365K), and Buckeye ($335K). Scottsdale's median of $745K exceeds the FHA limit — Scottsdale buyers typically need a conventional or jumbo loan.

Arizona FHA Down Payment Assistance Programs 2026

1. Arizona Home Plus Program

🏆 Best Overall

Up to 5% DPA — Grant (No Repayment)

Statewide AZ program. 3%–5% of purchase price as a grant — no repayment ever. Pairs with FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional. Income limit: $122,100 (most counties). Credit: 640+. Purchase price: up to $546,250 (FHA limit). Apply via approved AZ lender.

2. Home in Five Advantage (Maricopa County)

🏙️ Best for Phoenix Metro

Up to 5% DPA — Maricopa Only

Exclusive to Maricopa County (Phoenix metro). Up to 5% DPA as a grant. Bonus: +1% for teachers, firefighters, military, police. Income limit: $115,000. Credit: 640+. No first-time buyer requirement.

3. Chenoa Fund

💰 No Income Limit

3.5% DPA — No Income Limits

National DPA program works in Arizona. Provides 3.5% covering entire FHA down payment. No income limits (unique). Repayment: forgivable after 36 on-time payments, OR repayable second mortgage at 0%. Credit: 620+. Good for higher-income buyers who exceed other program limits.

4. City of Phoenix DPA

🏙️ Phoenix City

Up to $15,000 — City Residents Only

Available for homes within Phoenix city limits. Income limit: 80% AMI. First-time buyer required. 5-year occupancy to avoid repayment. Must use a Phoenix-approved lender. Contact: phoenix.gov/housing.

FHA vs Conventional in Phoenix: Which Is Better for You?

FactorFHA LoanConventional
Min Down Payment3.5% (580 credit)3% (620 credit, 1st-time)
Min Credit Score500 (10% down) / 580 (3.5%)620 minimum
Mortgage InsuranceMIP forever (unless refi)PMI removable at 20% equity
2026 Loan Limit (Phoenix)$546,250$806,500 (no limit on jumbo)
DPA AvailabilityExcellent — many AZ programsGood — Home Plus works
Best For580–720 credit buyers740+ credit, 20%+ down

Phoenix FHA Loan FAQs

What is the FHA loan limit in Phoenix AZ (Maricopa County) for 2026?

2026 FHA loan limits for Phoenix, AZ (Maricopa County): 1-unit (single-family): $546,250. 2-unit (duplex): $699,300. 3-unit (triplex): $845,300. 4-unit (fourplex): $1,050,500. Maricopa County is classified as a "high-cost area" by HUD, so FHA limits exceed the national baseline of $524,225. These limits apply to FHA purchase loans and FHA refinances (FHA Streamline, FHA Cash-Out). If your home price exceeds these limits, you need a conventional or jumbo loan.

How do FHA loan limits work in Phoenix?

FHA loan limits in Phoenix (Maricopa County) are set by HUD each year based on median home prices. The limit ($546,250 for 1-unit in 2026) is the MAXIMUM loan amount FHA will insure — not the maximum home price. Example: $600,000 Phoenix home with FHA: maximum FHA loan = $546,250. You pay 3.5% down = $21,000. But you also need to cover the gap: $600,000 - $546,250 = $53,750 + $21,000 = $74,750 total cash needed. For most Phoenix buyers targeting $350K-$546K homes, FHA works perfectly — put 3.5% down ($12,250 on $350K) with 580+ credit.

What is the minimum credit score for an FHA loan in Phoenix?

FHA credit score requirements for Phoenix buyers: 580+ credit: minimum 3.5% down payment. 500–579 credit: minimum 10% down payment. Below 500: FHA not available. Most Phoenix FHA lenders require 580+ for 3.5% down. Some lenders (like Rocket Mortgage) add overlays requiring 620+ for FHA. If your score is 580–619, seek out FHA lenders without overlays. FHA is the best loan for Phoenix buyers with 580–680 credit — conventional loans require 620 minimum and typically charge higher rates for scores under 740.

What is the average home price in Phoenix AZ in 2026?

Phoenix metro (Maricopa County) median home prices in 2026: City of Phoenix: ~$385,000. Scottsdale: ~$745,000 (many require jumbo). Tempe: ~$420,000. Mesa: ~$385,000. Chandler: ~$450,000. Gilbert: ~$480,000. Glendale: ~$345,000. Peoria: ~$415,000. Surprise: ~$365,000. Buckeye: ~$335,000. For most Phoenix suburbs (Mesa, Glendale, Surprise, Buckeye), the $546,250 FHA limit covers the median home. Scottsdale buyers will often need jumbo or conventional loans.

Are there down payment assistance programs in Phoenix AZ for FHA buyers?

Yes. Phoenix/Arizona FHA buyers have several DPA options: (1) Arizona Home Plus Program — 3%–5% DPA grant (no repayment), pairs with FHA. Available statewide. (2) Home in Five Advantage — up to 5% DPA for Maricopa County buyers (income ≤$115,000). (3) City of Phoenix DPA — up to $15,000 for Phoenix city residents (income limits apply). (4) Maricopa County DPA — up to $10,000 for unincorporated county areas. (5) Chenoa Fund — 3.5% DPA covering FHA down payment, no income limits. Using Arizona Home Plus or Home in Five + FHA means you can buy with near $0 out of pocket for the down payment in Maricopa County.

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David Rodriguez - Refinance & Rate Specialist

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Refinance & Rate Specialist

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David Rodriguez is a seasoned refinancing expert with over 10 years of experience in mortgage rate analysis and market trend forecasting. As a Certified Rate Lock Specialist, he has saved homeowners millions in interest payments through strategic refinancing timing. His expertise in Federal Reserve policy impact and mortgage-backed securities makes him a go-to expert for rate predictions and refinancing strategies.

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