Arizona Down Payment Assistance Programs 2026: Complete Guide
Arizona DPA for 2026: HOME Plus gives up to 4% statewide with a forgivable or non-forgivable second, plus Pima Tucson options, income limits and rules.
Arizona's statewide down payment assistance program, HOME Plus, provides up to 4% of the first-mortgage amount. It is run by the Arizona Industrial Development Authority and is open to first-time and repeat buyers in every Arizona county, city and zip code. The assistance is a second lien that can go toward the down payment and closing costs. Buyers pick a forgivable version, which is wiped out completely after 60 months, or a non-forgivable version that is paid back later.
What Is Arizona Down Payment Assistance?
Arizona down payment assistance (DPA) is help from statewide and county programs toward a home buyer's down payment and closing costs. The largest, HOME Plus, provides up to 4% of your first-mortgage amount, and Arizona IDA says no taxpayer funds are used for it. The assistance is funded at closing alongside your first mortgage through a participating lender.
Key Takeaway: HOME Plus provides up to 4% as a second mortgage. Its forgivable option has no interest and no monthly payment and is forgiven in full after 60 months. If you sell or refinance before then, the whole amount is repaid. A non-forgivable option is also offered. The Pima Tucson Homebuyer's Solution sets its own amounts and forgiveness terms, which your loan officer can confirm in writing. Grants and repayable second loans round out the Arizona options.
Arizona DPA Programs at a Glance
| Program | Max Assistance | How It Is Forgiven | First-Time Buyer Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| HOME Plus | Up to 4% | In full after 60 months (forgivable option); a non-forgivable option is repaid | No |
| Pima Tucson Homebuyer's Solution | Up to 5% | Per the program's own terms | No |
| PTHS Edge | Optional rate buydown | Depends on structure | No |
HOME Plus Program (Arizona IDA)
The HOME Plus program, administered by the Arizona Industrial Development Authority (Arizona IDA), is the most widely used DPA program in Arizona. Here's what you need to know:
HOME Plus Eligibility Requirements
- Credit Score: Must meet the HOME Plus program minimum and the standard for the first mortgage you choose; your lender confirms the current figure
- Income Limit: $155,386 of borrower income in every Arizona county (2026)
- First-Time Buyer: NOT required—repeat buyers welcome
- Property Types: Single-family homes, condos, townhomes, manufactured homes
- Occupancy: Primary residence only
How HOME Plus Works
HOME Plus provides down payment assistance as a second mortgage, and you choose between two versions. The forgivable version carries no interest and no payment, and Arizona IDA forgives it completely after 5 years (60 months). None of it is forgiven before then. Sell or refinance within the first 60 months and the second lien must be repaid, and Arizona IDA makes no exceptions. The non-forgivable version is repaid when you sell or refinance.
Pima Tucson Homebuyer's Solution (PTHS)
For buyers in Pima County and Tucson, the PTHS program offers an alternative with different terms:
PTHS Eligibility Requirements
- Credit Score: Minimum 640
- Income Limits: Vary by household size (contact us for current limits)
- First-Time Buyer: NOT required
- Location: Pima County and Tucson only
PTHS Benefits
- Forgivable second mortgage with no monthly payments
- Forgiveness follows the Pima County program's own terms, spelled out in its loan documents
- Get the current PTHS forgiveness terms in writing from your loan officer before you choose
How to Qualify for Arizona DPA
To qualify for Arizona down payment assistance, you'll need to:
- Meet income requirements: The income a program counts must fall within its limit. For HOME Plus, the borrowers' pre-tax income, as the lender calculates it for the first mortgage, can't exceed $155,386 (2026). People in the home who aren't on the loan don't count
- Have qualifying credit: A score that clears both the HOME Plus minimum and your loan type's requirement (a lender may ask for more)
- Complete homebuyer education: A required 6-8 hour online course
- Purchase an eligible property: Single-family home, condo, or manufactured home
- Use as primary residence: Investment properties and second homes don't qualify
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arizona DPA a grant or a loan?
It's a loan recorded as a second lien, not a grant. HOME Plus's forgivable option has no monthly payment and is forgiven in full after 60 months. If you sell or refinance before then, the entire second lien is repaid. HOME Plus also offers a non-forgivable option, which is repaid. PTHS follows its own terms, so ask for them in writing.
Do I have to be a first-time home buyer?
No. Both HOME Plus and PTHS are available to repeat buyers. Arizona IDA's HOME Plus FAQ says you don't have to be a current renter or a first-time buyer, though owning other real estate can narrow your program options.
What's the income limit for Arizona DPA in 2026?
For HOME Plus, the income limit is $155,386 in every Arizona county. It counts only borrower income, meaning the people on the loan, not everyone in the household. PTHS limits vary by household size—take our quiz to get your specific limit.
How long does the Arizona DPA process take?
It depends on how quickly your documents come together, the appraisal, and the program review. The DPA second lien closes at the same time as your first mortgage, so it follows the same schedule; ask your loan officer for a timeline built around your contract.
Next Steps
Ready to see if you qualify for Arizona down payment assistance? Take our 60-second eligibility quiz or call the Cook Brothers Mortgage Team:
- Tanner Cook: (480) 420-4918 | NMLS #2090424
- Zac Cook: (480) 406-2016 | NMLS #2111496
Cornerstone First Mortgage, NMLS #173855. Equal Housing Lender.
Related Arizona DPA Guides
Buying Somewhere in Arizona?
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