Down Payment Assistance in Arizona: Programs to Help You Buy a Home Sooner

So, you want to buy a home in Arizona—but saving for that big down payment feels impossible?

You’re not alone. In 2025, home prices are still climbing. Mortgage rates? Still high. That’s why many buyers feel stuck. But here’s the truth: you don’t have to do it alone. Arizona has your back.

Let’s break it down and unlock the tools that could help you move into your dream home faster than you thought possible.

💰 What’s Down Payment Assistance (DPA)?

DPA = free money (well, kind of).

It’s help from the state, county, or city to cover your down payment and closing costs. Some programs give you grants (free cash), others give loans that you don’t pay back unless you move or refinance too soon.

Types of DPA:

✅ Grants – No payback!
✅ Forgivable Loans – No payments, and after a few years, they go away.
✅ Deferred Loans – You pay it back later (when you sell or refinance).
✅ Low-Interest Loans – Like a second mortgage with small monthly payments.

Pro tip: Always ask your lender if there’s a catch!

📍 Top Arizona DPA Programs in 2025 (and Who Should Use Them)

1. HOME+PLUS

🌵 Available: Statewide
💸 Help: Up to 4% of your loan
📋 Key Facts:

• No first-time buyer rule

• Forgiven after 5 years

• Income limit: ~$136,000

• Min credit score: 620
  ✅ Best For: Anyone across Arizona looking for flexible help.
  
  

2. Arizona is Home

📍 Where: Rural counties only
💸 Help: 4% of loan
📋 Key Facts:

• First-time buyers only

• Income limit: 100% of area median income

• Must take education and counseling
  ✅ Best For: First-time buyers in small towns and rural areas.
  
  

3. WISH Program

🌎 Available: Statewide (via select credit unions)
💸 Help: 4-to-1 match up to $32,099
📋 Key Facts:

• Must save at least $8,000 to get the full match

• First-time buyers only

• Income under 80% of area median
  ✅ Best For: Savers ready to stack their cash with bonus funds.
  
  

4. Middle Income DPA (MDPA)

🏘️ Available: Statewide via lenders
💸 Help: Up to $50,000
📋 Key Facts:

• For buyers who make too much for other programs

• You need to bring $10,000 to the table

• May be a grant or a forgivable loan (ask your lender!)
  ✅ Best For: Middle-income earners who still need a hand.
  
  

📍 Maricopa County Programs (Phoenix and surrounding)

5. Home in Five Advantage

📍 Where: Maricopa County
💸 Help: Up to 6% of loan
📋 Key Facts:

• Open to repeat buyers

• Credit score: 640+

• Forgiveness in 3, 7, or 30 years
  ✅ Best For: Buyers in Phoenix suburbs needing flexibility.
  
  

6. Home in Five Platinum

📍 Where: Maricopa (except Paradise Valley)
💸 Help: 4% of loan
📋 Key Facts:

• Must be a first-time buyer (unless a veteran or buying in a Target Area)

• Forgiven after 7 years
  ✅ Best For: Buyers with tighter income limits looking to buy in Maricopa County.
  
  

🏙️ City of Phoenix Program

7. Open Doors DPA

📍 Where: Phoenix city limits only
💸 Help: Up to 10% of home price
📋 Key Facts:

• Income must be under 80% AMI

• Forgiveness can take up to 15 years
  ✅ Best For: Phoenix buyers committed to staying long-term.
  
  

🎉 Final Thoughts

Buying a home in Arizona doesn’t have to mean waiting years to save. With DPA, you can skip the stress and start the next chapter of your life sooner.

✅ You don’t need perfect credit.
✅ You don’t need to be rich.
✅ You just need to be prepared.

So—are you ready to unlock your Arizona homeownership dream?

Start by talking to a lender approved for one of these programs. You could be closer to owning a home than you think.