Arizona DPA for Non-First-Time Home Buyers: Yes, You Qualify
You don't have to be a first-time buyer to get Arizona down payment assistance. HOME Plus and PTHS are available to repeat buyers. Here's how it works.
Yes — you do not have to be a first-time buyer to qualify for Arizona down payment assistance. Arizona's two largest programs, HOME Plus and the Pima Tucson Homebuyer's Solution, are open to repeat buyers, so having owned a home before does not disqualify you.
Arizona's major down payment assistance programs — HOME Plus and the Pima Tucson Homebuyer's Solution — are available to both first-time and repeat buyers, making them accessible to a much wider range of Arizona households than most buyers realize. The Arizona Industrial Development Authority's HOME Plus FAQ says you do not have to be a current renter or a first-time homebuyer to qualify, though owning other real estate may narrow the program options open to you.
Do You Have to Be a First-Time Buyer for Arizona DPA?
No. One of the biggest misconceptions about Arizona down payment assistance is that it's only for first-time home buyers. The truth is: both HOME Plus and PTHS are available to repeat buyers.
Key Fact: The Arizona IDA states that HOME Plus does not require first-time buyer status, so a past home purchase is not a barrier on its own.
Which Arizona DPA Programs Allow Repeat Buyers?
| Program | First-Time Buyer Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| HOME Plus | No | Available to all buyers |
| PTHS | No | Available to all buyers |
| PTHS Edge | No | Rate-buydown option |
| Lighthouse Program | Yes* | *Currently fully utilized |
The Lighthouse Program does require first-time buyer status but is currently not accepting new applications due to funding.
Repeat-Buyer Programs at a Glance
| Program | Assistance | Forgiveness | Best for repeat buyers who... |
|---|---|---|---|
| HOME Plus | Up to 4% of the loan | Forgivable second lien cleared in full after 60 months, or a non-forgivable option | Are buying anywhere in Arizona and want the widest reach |
| PTHS | 3–5% of the note | Forgivable second lien under the program's own terms | Are buying in Pima County or Tucson and want a local option to weigh against HOME Plus |
For a full ranking of every option — including grant programs for higher earners — see our guide to the best Arizona down payment assistance programs.
What Qualifies as a "First-Time Buyer" Anyway?
Even though HOME Plus and PTHS don't require it, understanding the HUD definition is useful:
HUD's First-Time Buyer Definition:
- Have not owned a home in the past 3 years
- Displaced homemakers qualify regardless of previous ownership
- Single parents who owned with a former spouse qualify
If you owned a home more than 3 years ago, you technically qualify as "first-time" under HUD rules—but again, Arizona's main DPA programs don't require this anyway.
Why Repeat Buyers Still Need Help
Plenty of Arizona families need down payment help on a second or third home:
- Job relocations: Workers moving to Arizona from other states
- Family changes: Divorce, growing families needing larger homes
- Market conditions: Previous homeowners priced out of today's market
- Medical situations: Homeowners who sold due to health issues
Because HOME Plus is open to all buyers, households in these situations can still use it.
Hypothetical Scenarios: How Repeat Buyers Might Use Arizona DPA
These are illustrations of common situations, not actual clients. Your own eligibility and assistance amount depend on your income, credit, loan type and the program in effect when you apply.
Scenario 1: The Relocator
Situation: A buyer sold a home in another state a couple of years ago and moved to Phoenix for a job. Challenge: The sale proceeds went toward paying off debt, so savings are thin. How DPA could fit: Because HOME Plus has no first-time buyer rule, the earlier ownership is not a barrier. The assistance could go toward the down payment and closing costs on the Phoenix purchase.
Scenario 2: The Upsizer
Situation: A household owns a small condo in Tempe and needs more space. Challenge: Most of the equity will be eaten up by selling costs and the move. How DPA could fit: After the condo sells, HOME Plus could be layered onto the new purchase, as long as the borrowers' income is within the HOME Plus limit and the new home will be the primary residence.
Scenario 3: The Restart
Situation: After a divorce, the former home stayed with the other spouse. Challenge: Rebuilding savings while buying again. How DPA could fit: Someone in this spot may meet the "displaced homemaker" definition of a first-time buyer, and HOME Plus is open to repeat buyers anyway. A loan officer can confirm which path applies.
How Repeat Buyers Apply for Arizona DPA
The process is identical for first-time and repeat buyers:
- Check eligibility: Borrower income at or below the current HOME Plus limit (raised in 2026 — see the current HOME Plus income limits), and a credit score that meets the program and lender minimums for your loan type
- Get pre-approved: Work with a DPA-participating lender (like Cornerstone First)
- Complete homebuyer education: Required 6-8 hour online course
- Find your home: Work with a real estate agent in Arizona
- Close with DPA: Receive HOME Plus assistance of up to 4% of the loan toward down payment and closing costs
Do Repeat Buyers Get Less DPA?
No. The DPA amount is the same for first-time and repeat buyers:
- HOME Plus: Up to 4% of loan amount
- PTHS: Up to 5% of loan amount
There's no penalty or reduction for having owned a home before.
What If You Currently Own a Home?
You can still qualify for DPA on your new home as long as:
- Your new home will be your primary residence
- You sell or refinance your current home before or at closing
- You meet income and credit requirements
We can help you structure the transaction to ensure smooth DPA approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use DPA if I own a rental property?
Possibly. HOME Plus doesn't require first-time status, but Arizona IDA notes that owning other real estate may limit which program options are open to you, so tell your loan officer about every property you own. The new home must be your primary residence.
What if I owned a home with my ex-spouse?
You may qualify as a "displaced homemaker" under HUD rules, giving you first-time buyer status. But remember—Arizona's main programs don't require this anyway.
Can I use DPA to buy a second home or vacation home?
No. DPA is only available for primary residences. You must live in the home as your main residence.
How do I prove I sold my previous home?
Provide the HUD-1 or Closing Disclosure from your previous sale. If you transferred ownership through divorce, provide the divorce decree.
Get Started
Whether you're a first-time buyer or a repeat buyer, Arizona DPA can help you achieve homeownership. Take our 60-second quiz to check your eligibility:
- Tanner Cook: (480) 420-4918 | NMLS #2090424
- Zac Cook: (480) 406-2016 | NMLS #2111496
Cornerstone First Mortgage, NMLS #173855. Equal Housing Lender.
Buying Somewhere in Arizona?
Answer three short questions about where in Arizona you're buying, your credit range and recent home ownership, and a licensed loan officer will follow up on which Arizona programs fit. You pick a credit range; no report is pulled.
Start the Arizona Quiz