Last updated: April 2026 ยท Program availability changes frequently
Down Payment Assistance in Phoenix: Overview
Phoenix's median home price is roughly $450,000. A 3.5% FHA down payment on that is $15,750. That number stops a lot of buyers before they start. It should not. The Home in Five Advantage program through Maricopa County IDA covers up to 7% of the loan amount as a forgivable second mortgage. On a $450K purchase, 7% is $31,500. That is double the minimum down payment on a median-priced home, with enough left to cover closing costs.
Phoenix buyers have two strong statewide programs on top of the county option. Home Plus AZ provides up to 5% forgivable over 5 years with no first-time buyer requirement. It is self-funded through capital markets, so it does not run out of money the way annual-budget programs do. Arizona Is Home offered 4% deferred assistance, but its funding was exhausted in July 2025. It may reopen in 2026, but there is no confirmation. Do not plan around it.
The Maricopa County Area Median Income is $109,600 for a family of four. Home in Five caps at $138,600 qualifying income. Home Plus goes to $146,503. A household earning $130,000 is not disqualified from DPA in Phoenix. It narrows the options to the programs with higher limits, but the assistance is still substantial.
The FHA loan limit for Maricopa County is $557,750. Phoenix's $450K median falls below it, so every FHA-based DPA program works on the majority of purchases. There is no price ceiling problem here. This guide covers what is open, who qualifies, and how the programs stack.
Quick Answer
Yes. Phoenix has 7+ DPA programs across city, county, and state levels. Two of the strongest programs accept repeat buyers, so you do not need to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify.
Home in Five Advantage is the flagship. Up to 7% of the loan as a forgivable second mortgage, forgiven in 3 years. Teachers, first responders, and military get up to 8%. Home Plus AZ offers up to 5% forgivable over 5 years statewide. Both accept credit scores from 640.
The decision for most Phoenix buyers: Home in Five (higher percentage, 3-year forgiveness, Maricopa County only) vs. Home Plus (lower percentage, 5-year forgiveness, self-funded so never runs out). Your lender should run both scenarios.
Phoenix and Maricopa County Programs
Home in Five Advantage Program
Administered by Maricopa County IDA. Works with FHA, VA, Fannie Mae HFA Preferred, and Freddie Mac HFA Advantage loans (30-year fixed). 8-hour HUD-approved homebuyer education required. Extra 1% for K-12 teachers, first responders, military/veterans, and income-qualified buyers earning up to $36,450/year.
Open Doors Homeownership Program
City of Phoenix program. Zero-interest deferred loan, fully forgivable after the affordability period. Can layer with other DPA programs (except Section 32). Funding is limited and reservations fill up. Property must be within Phoenix city limits.
County vs. City: Home in Five covers all of Maricopa County, including Phoenix. Open Doors is Phoenix city limits only. If your target property is inside Phoenix, you may qualify for both. If it is in Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe, or Chandler, Home in Five and Home Plus are your primary options.
How DPA Programs Work in Phoenix
Forgivable Loans (Most Common in AZ)
Forgiven after a set period if you stay in the home. Home in Five forgives in 3 years (1/36th per month). Home Plus forgives over 5 years. Open Doors forgives over up to 15 years. Sell or refinance before the forgiveness period ends and you repay the remaining balance. Three years is fast. For most buyers who plan to stay, that is effectively free money with a short hold requirement.
Deferred Loans
No monthly payment. Repaid when you sell or refinance. Arizona Is Home used this structure at 0% interest. Open Doors also functions as a deferred loan during the forgiveness period. The practical effect: your monthly payment stays lower because the DPA amount has no payment obligation. The trade-off is the balance reduces your net proceeds at sale if you move before forgiveness completes.
Matched Savings / Grants
The FHLB San Francisco WISH program matches buyer savings 4:1, potentially providing up to $32,099 in grant funds. It is released each spring on a first-come, first-served basis and typically runs out within weeks. Housing Solutions of Northern Arizona also offers grants in Coconino County. These are the hardest programs to access in Arizona because funding is extremely competitive.
Self-Funded vs. Budget Programs
Home Plus AZ is self-funded through capital markets. It does not deplete. It is available year-round with no sunset date. That makes it the most reliable fallback when other programs exhaust their annual budgets. Home in Five and Open Doors operate on allocated funding that can run out. Home Plus trades a slightly lower DPA percentage for near-certain availability.
Get Your Free Phoenix DPA Action Plan
Tell us about your situation and we will put together a personalized guide to the programs you may qualify for.
We are putting together your action plan.
Check your email for next steps. In the meantime, you can also schedule a free consultation.
Schedule a Free ConsultationRelated Pages
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not a commitment to lend. Program availability, terms, and eligibility requirements change frequently. All program details should be verified directly with the administering agency or an approved lender before making financial decisions. DownPaymentScout is an independent resource and is not affiliated with any government agency or lending institution. Information is believed accurate as of the date shown but is not guaranteed. Last updated April 2026.