What Arizona down payment assistance programs exist in 2026?

Buying a home in Arizona often comes down to cash at closing: the down payment, prepaid taxes and insurance, and closing costs. Statewide and county programs can cover part of that, usually as a second loan paired with a 30-year first mortgage. You apply through a participating lender, not on a government website. Rules and funding change, so treat the figures below as a snapshot of the official program pages as of November 13, 2026 (America/Phoenix), and confirm current terms with an approved lender before you count on them. This page is educational, not a loan offer or a commitment to lend.

Home Plus (statewide)

Home Plus, run by the Arizona Industrial Development Authority, is available in every Arizona county, city and zip code, including Surprise and the rest of the West Valley. It pairs a first mortgage with up to 4% assistance for down payment and closing costs. The program says it is available year-round and does not run out of funding.

As of April 6, 2026, borrower annual income cannot exceed $155,386. That same limit is listed for every Arizona county, including Maricopa and Pinal. One borrower must complete a homebuyer education course before closing.

The assistance is a no-interest, no-payment second mortgage that is forgiven after 5 years (60 months). If you sell or refinance before then, the second loan must be repaid. The Arizona IDA does not subordinate that second loan or make exceptions to the repayment terms.

You do not apply to Home Plus directly. You choose a participating lender, who originates the first mortgage and the assistance. Home Plus notes that the interest rate may be slightly higher than a loan where you bring your own down payment, so ask the lender to compare the full monthly payment (principal, interest, taxes and insurance), not only the cash to close.

Home in Five Advantage (Maricopa County)

Home in Five Advantage helps buyers purchasing in Maricopa County (Surprise, Buckeye, Goodyear, Tolleson, Phoenix and the other cities in the county). As stated on the program homepage on November 13, 2026, borrowers need a minimum 640 credit score, annual income up to $153,440, a debt-to-income ratio up to 50%, and must occupy the home as a principal residence within 60 days of closing. Buyers also complete an 8-hour homebuyer education course through an Arizona-based HUD-approved housing counseling agency (in person or, where offered, online) and give the certificate to their lender.

Eligible homes are new purchases only (not refinances) of new or existing houses, condominiums or townhouses in Maricopa County. The program states that the purchase price is not limited.

Funding note, from the program's lender news page: as of June 25, 2026, funds for the 7-year forgivable assistance option with a 30-year first mortgage have been fully used, and additional funds are not currently expected. Home in Five Platinum funds were fully used as of June 9, 2026, and that waitlist was closed. Other second-loan options may still be open. Ask a participating lender which options are available on the day you apply (Home in Five Advantage, resources for lenders).

Arizona is Home

Arizona is Home is now part of Home in Five Advantage for Maricopa County. The program page describes 3%, 4%, 5% or 6% assistance as a 7-year forgivable, interest-free second loan, with no payments unless the home is sold, transferred or refinanced before the 84th month.

Stated buyer rules on that page include: credit-qualifying income cannot exceed $131,520; you must be a first-time buyer (have not owned a residential property in the last three years); you must have lived in Arizona at least six months; and you need a minimum 640 credit score, an 8-hour education certificate, and occupancy within 60 days. The home must be in Maricopa County. The Arizona Department of Housing describes a first-time buyer the same way (has not owned real estate in the last three years) and points Maricopa County buyers to this program.

Because this path uses the 7-year second loan, and the lender news page says those funds were fully used on June 25, 2026, do not assume Arizona is Home is currently funded. Confirm with a participating lender or the program before you plan around it.

City of Surprise

The City of Surprise Housing Services page says the city offers access to homeownership opportunities and links to a Homebuyer's Assistance Program on its Housing Programs page. On November 13, 2026, the Housing Programs page listed English and Spanish resource guides and did not list current assistance amounts or open funding. If you live in Surprise or are buying there, contact the city's Housing Services office to ask what, if anything, is open now. Do not count on a city dollar amount until they confirm it.

What these programs have in common

• You work with a participating lender. The lender checks income, credit and the property and handles the second-loan paperwork.
• Homebuyer education is required. Plan for it early. County programs typically require an 8-hour class from an Arizona HUD-approved counseling agency; Home Plus requires a course from an approved provider.
• The home has to be your primary residence. These programs are not for investment or second homes.
• Assistance is usually a second loan, not a gift. "Forgivable" means you repay nothing if you keep the home and the loan for the full term. Selling, transferring or refinancing early usually means paying it back. Some programs will not subordinate that second loan.
• Income limits change. Use the official program page and a lender's calculation, not a screenshot from last year.

Steps before you tour homes

1. Talk to a participating lender first. Ask them to compare a regular FHA, VA, USDA or conventional loan with and without assistance, including the full monthly payment.
2. Take the homebuyer class early. You will need the certificate before closing.
3. Budget the whole payment. Include principal, interest, property taxes, insurance and any HOA dues. You can start with the Arizona mortgage calculator on this site (it is an estimate, not a loan offer).
4. Confirm funding the week you write an offer. County and city programs can pause when money runs out. Home Plus states that it stays funded year-round; still verify at application.

Frequently asked questions

What down payment assistance programs exist in Arizona in 2026?

The statewide option is Home Plus, which offers up to 4% for down payment and closing costs in every Arizona county. In Maricopa County, Home in Five Advantage is the main additional program; some of its options, including the 7-year forgivable second loan and Home in Five Platinum, were out of funds as of mid-2026. Confirm what is open with a participating lender. City programs, including Surprise, need a direct check because funding is not always listed clearly online.

Does Home Plus work in Surprise and the West Valley?

Yes. Home Plus is available in every Arizona county, city and zip code, including Surprise, Buckeye, Goodyear, Tolleson and the rest of Maricopa and Pinal Counties.

What is the income limit for Home Plus?

As of April 6, 2026, Home Plus lists a borrower annual income limit of $155,386 in every Arizona county. Limits can change, so confirm the current figure with a Home Plus approved lender.

Is Home in Five Advantage still funding assistance?

Partly, as of the program's lender news: the 7-year forgivable option with a 30-year first mortgage was fully used as of June 25, 2026, and additional funds were not expected; Platinum funds were used and the waitlist closed as of June 9, 2026. Ask a participating lender which second-loan options are still available.

Do I have to be a first-time buyer?

Not for every program. Arizona is Home requires first-time buyer status, defined as not having owned a residential property (or, in the state housing department's wording, real estate) in the last three years, plus six months of Arizona residency. Home in Five Advantage's general homepage does not list a first-time-only rule. Check the specific option your lender recommends.

Do I have to pay down payment assistance back?

Often only if you sell, transfer or refinance before the forgiveness period ends. Home Plus forgivable assistance is forgiven after 5 years (60 months). Arizona is Home describes a 7-year (84-month) forgivable second loan, when that option is funded. If you leave the home or refinance early, you usually repay the remaining balance, and some programs will not subordinate the second loan.

Questions about buying in Surprise or the West Valley? Jesus Sanchez is a real estate agent with Real who helps buyers in English or Spanish and can connect you with lenders who work with these programs. Call 480-531-5584 or start with the Arizona mortgage calculator. Program details are summarized from the official sources linked above as of November 13, 2026 (America/Phoenix) and are not a loan offer, preapproval or commitment to lend. Confirm current terms with a participating lender. Equal Housing Opportunity.