First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Arizona: A Simple 2026 Guide

By Tatum Folkestad · October 21, 2026

One of the most common things I hear from first-time buyers is, "I'd love to buy, but I don't have enough saved for a down payment." The good news is that Arizona has several programs that help with your down payment and closing costs, and a lot of buyers qualify without realizing it.

Here's a plain-language guide to the main options for buyers in Tucson, the West Valley and across the state.

First, do you count as a "first-time" buyer?

Probably more often than you'd think. Most Arizona programs treat you as a first-time buyer if you haven't owned a home you lived in during the past three years. So even if you owned a home years ago, you may still qualify.

Also, some of the biggest programs in Arizona don't require you to be a first-time buyer at all.

What is down payment assistance?

Down payment assistance (often called DPA) is money that helps cover your down payment, your closing costs, or both. It usually comes in one of these forms:

• Forgivable loans: a second loan with no monthly payment that's forgiven if you live in the home for a set number of years.
• Deferred loans: no monthly payment, but you pay it back when you sell or refinance.
• Grants: money you don't pay back.

The fine print matters, so always ask your lender which type you're getting.

Statewide programs

Home Plus

Home Plus is run by the Arizona Industrial Development Authority and is available everywhere in Arizona. It pairs a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with up to 4% of your loan amount to put toward your down payment and closing costs. As of April 2026, the household income limit was about $155,000, and you don't have to be a first-time buyer to use it.

Arizona Is Home

Arizona Is Home is also run by the Arizona IDA and is meant for first-time buyers, with some exceptions for veterans and certain targeted areas. One important catch: the Arizona IDA's version of this program is for Arizona's rural counties and isn't available for homes in Maricopa or Pima County. If you're buying in the West Valley or Tucson, the local programs below are the ones to look at.

Tucson and Pima County programs

City of Tucson and Pima County Down Payment Assistance

This program can provide up to $50,000 or 20% of the purchase price, depending on your need and the price of the home. It has a cap on purchase price (around $334,000 for existing homes as of 2026) and income limits, and you apply through a partner housing counseling agency. It's one of the biggest programs out there, so it's worth checking if you're buying in Tucson.

Pima and Tucson IDA programs

The Pima County and City of Tucson Industrial Development Authorities also run local programs, like the Pima Tucson Homebuyer's Solution and Lighthouse programs. These pair a fixed-rate mortgage with help on your down payment and closing costs. Which ones are open changes throughout the year, so ask a local lender what's available when you're ready.

West Valley and Phoenix programs

Home in Five Advantage

If you're buying in Maricopa County, including Glendale, Peoria and the rest of the West Valley, Home in Five Advantage offers help on your down payment and closing costs, typically up to about 5% of your loan amount. Teachers, first responders, military members and veterans may qualify for an extra 1%. You don't have to be a first-time buyer to use it.

City programs

Some cities have their own programs too, like the City of Phoenix's Open Doors program. If you have a specific city in mind, it's worth asking whether it has its own help for buyers.

A few things to know before you apply

• Usually one program per purchase. In most cases you can't stack two down payment programs together, so it's about picking the best fit.
• Homebuyer education is often required. Many programs ask you to take a short homebuyer class. It's usually online and really helpful.
• Funding can run out. Some programs have limited money each year, so it pays to start early.
• You'll need an approved lender. Most programs go through participating lenders, so the lender you choose matters.
• You have to live in the home. These programs are for your primary residence, not investment properties.

Where to start

The best first step is to talk with a lender who works with these programs. They can tell you what you qualify for and how much help you could get. If you don't have a lender yet, I'm happy to connect you with one I trust.

Buying your first home is a big step, but you don't have to figure it out alone.