Arizona Down Payment Assistance Programs, Named and Explained

Every Arizona mortgage site tells first-time buyers to "see if you qualify for down payment assistance" — without ever naming a single program. Arizona actually runs two well-established down payment assistance programs, and knowing their names is the first step to actually using them.

Home Plus ("Arizona Is Home")

Home Plus, also marketed as "Arizona Is Home," is a statewide program administered by the Arizona Industrial Development Authority in partnership with the Arizona Department of Housing. It pairs a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with down payment assistance structured as a forgivable second mortgage, available to eligible buyers anywhere in the state — not just Phoenix or Tucson.

Home in Five Advantage

Home in Five Advantage is a Maricopa County-specific program offering down payment and closing-cost assistance to qualifying low- and moderate-income buyers purchasing a home within the county. If you're buying in Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, Gilbert, or elsewhere in Maricopa County, this is worth asking about specifically by name.

How These Programs Actually Work

Both programs layer assistance on top of a first mortgage rather than replacing it — you still go through a standard loan process (often FHA or conventional), and the assistance covers some or all of your down payment and, in some cases, closing costs. Assistance is commonly structured as a second loan that may be forgiven over time or repaid depending on the specific program terms in effect when you apply.

Income Limits and Eligibility

Both programs set income limits that vary by household size and county, and funds or program terms can change. Rather than assume you don't qualify, it's worth confirming current eligibility with a lending partner familiar with Arizona first-time buyer programs before ruling anything out.

What If Neither Program Applies to You?

If you're outside Maricopa County or above the Home Plus income limits, that doesn't mean you're out of low-down-payment options — FHA loans (3.5% down), VA loans (0% down for eligible veterans), and certain conventional programs (as low as 3% down) remain available statewide regardless of DPA eligibility.

AZ Mortgage connects Arizona buyers with lending partners who work directly with Home Plus, Home in Five, and standard low-down-payment loan programs — at no cost and with no obligation to move forward.