admin The down payment is the #1 thing keeping renters from buying. Arizona has more help than most people realize, and some programs don’t even require you to be a first-time buyer.
Updated October 2026. Rules and fees change; confirm with the official source linked in each section.
Statewide programs
HOME Plus
Available statewide through the Arizona Industrial Development Authority. Offers down payment and closing-cost assistance (up to a percentage of the loan) as a second loan that’s forgiven after a set number of years. You don’t have to be a first-time buyer, but there are income limits, credit minimums and a homebuyer-education requirement. Works with FHA, VA, USDA and conventional loans through participating lenders. Details: homeplusaz.com.
Arizona Is Home
Pairs a below-market fixed rate with down payment assistance for first-time buyers (with exceptions for qualified veterans and targeted areas). Income limits apply, funding is periodic, and it isn’t available in every county (including Maricopa and Pima), so check eligibility for your target area.
Local programs
Cities and counties periodically offer their own assistance with stricter income limits and sometimes larger amounts. Funding opens and closes, so ask a local lender what’s live right now.
Low-down-payment loan types
| Loan | Minimum down | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional (3% programs) | 3% | Good credit, first-time buyers |
| FHA | 3.5% | Flexible credit |
| VA | 0% | Eligible veterans & service members (guide) |
| USDA | 0% | Eligible outlying areas, such as parts of Pinal County |
Other ways to lower your cash to close
- Seller concessions toward closing costs or a rate buydown.
- Builder incentives: new-home builders in the West Valley and Pinal County often offer rate buydowns or closing credits with their preferred lender. Bring your own agent anyway.
- Gift funds from family are allowed on most loan types with documentation.
Your first-time buyer roadmap
- Check your credit and pay down revolving balances.
- Take a homebuyer education class (required by most assistance programs).
- Get pre-approved by a lender who offers Arizona assistance programs.
- Pick a buyer’s agent and set up your search.
- Follow How to Buy a Home in Arizona.
Find Out What You Qualify For
Down payment assistance, FHA/VA/USDA options and what your real monthly payment looks like. Answer a few questions and get a plain-English first-time buyer game plan for Arizona.
- Arizona down payment assistance you may qualify for
- Credit & savings targets
- Rent-vs-own monthly comparison
- Step-by-step path from renter to owner
Craig Citizen, REALTOR® · West USA Realty · Free, no obligation