First-Time Homebuyer
Grants in Phoenix, AZ

Home in Five Advantage Program

Offers up to 5% of the loan amount (often $15,000–$20,000) as a forgivable grant for down payment and closing costs. Available on FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional 30-year fixed loans. No repayment required if you stay in the home for 3 years.

Forgivable GrantFHA / VA / USDA / Conv.

Key requirements:

• Income limit: $117,000 (standard) / $134,000 (military/teacher/first responder)
• Minimum 640 credit score
• Must be primary residence in Maricopa County
• Complete a HUD-approved homebuyer education course

Home Plus AZ Program

Arizona’s statewide DPA program offers 3–5% of the loan amount as a 3-year forgivable second mortgage for down payment and closing costs. Available through participating lenders statewide, including the Phoenix metro area.

3-Year ForgivableStatewide Program

Key requirements:

• Income limit: $122,100
• Minimum 640 credit score
• Purchase price limit: $481,176 (FHA) / varies by loan type
• Must use a participating Home Plus lender

City of Phoenix Open Doors Homeownership Program

A city-administered deferred loan providing up to $15,000 for down payment and closing costs for homes purchased within Phoenix city limits. The loan is forgiven after 5 years of owner-occupancy.

Deferred LoanCity of Phoenix

Key requirements:

• Income at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI)
• Must purchase within Phoenix city limits
• First-time homebuyer (no ownership in past 3 years)
• Complete 8-hour homebuyer education course

Pathway to Purchase Down Payment Assistance

Provides a $20,000 grant (no repayment required) for purchases in targeted Phoenix-area zip codes. Designed to revitalize specific communities and make homeownership accessible in high-need neighborhoods.

True Grant — No RepaymentTargeted Zip Codes

Key requirements:

• Must purchase in a Pathway to Purchase eligible zip code
• Income limit: $92,160 (1–2 person) / $107,520 (3+ person)
• Minimum 640 credit score
• 30-year fixed FHA, VA, or USDA loan required

AZ Industrial Development Authority First Home Program

The AZ IDA First Home Program provides below-market interest rates combined with DPA options for first-time buyers across Arizona, including Phoenix. Reduced mortgage rates can save buyers tens of thousands over the life of the loan.

Below-Market RateStatewide Program

Key requirements:

• First-time homebuyer (no ownership in past 3 years)
• Income and purchase price limits apply by county
• Must work with a participating AZ IDA lender
• 30-year fixed mortgage required

Maricopa County HOME Investment Partnership Program

Maricopa County administers HUD HOME funds as deferred-payment loans for down payment and closing costs. Available to income-qualified buyers throughout unincorporated Maricopa County and participating municipalities.

HUD-FundedMaricopa County

Key requirements:

• Income at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI)
• Must purchase in Maricopa County jurisdiction
• First-time buyer (no ownership in past 3 years)
• Property must pass HUD housing quality standards inspection

Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify in Phoenix?

Most programs require that you have not owned a home in the past 3 years. Military veterans are often exempt from this requirement on programs like Home in Five.

Can I combine multiple programs in Phoenix?

Yes — stacking is common and encouraged. You can often combine Home in Five with Home Plus AZ, or stack the Pathway to Purchase grant with another program. A HUD-approved housing counselor can help identify the best combination.

Is homebuyer education required?

Yes, for most Phoenix-area DPA programs. You’ll need to complete a HUD-approved 8-hour homebuyer education course, available online through agencies like Framework or ieHome America.

What credit score do I need?

Most Phoenix DPA programs require a minimum 640 credit score. If your score is below 640, consider credit repair before applying — even a small improvement can open additional programs.

How long does the process take?

Getting pre-qualified typically takes 1&ndash{3 business days. Closing timelines with DPA are similar to regular purchases — typically 30–45 days. Apply early as some programs like Pathway to Purchase can have wait times if funds are temporarily depleted.