Arizona Down Payment Assistance: Home Plus and Home in Five

Down payment assistance programs can cover 3-7% of your loan amount as a grant — money you don't repay — potentially eliminating your out-of-pocket down payment entirely. Arizona has two well-established programs worth knowing about: Home Plus and Home in Five.

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Arizona's Two Main DPA Programs

ProgramCoverage AreaAssistance
Home PlusStatewide (Arizona Department of Housing)Grant of 3-5% of the loan amount toward down payment and/or closing costs
Home in FiveMaricopa CountyGrant of up to 6% of the loan amount
It's a Grant, Not a Loan: Both Home Plus and Home in Five provide assistance as a forgivable grant, not a second loan you have to repay — as long as you meet the program's occupancy requirements (typically living in the home as your primary residence for a set period).

How Much Assistance Can You Get?

The grant is calculated as a percentage of your total loan amount, not your home's purchase price. On a $400,000 loan, a 5% Home Plus grant would provide $20,000 toward your down payment and closing costs — often enough to cover the entire down payment on an FHA or conventional loan with room left for closing costs.

Example: First-Time Buyer with FHA Loan

A $380,000 home with an FHA loan (3.5% down = $13,300) combined with a 5% Home Plus grant ($19,000 on the loan amount) could cover the entire down payment and a meaningful portion of closing costs, depending on the specific program terms in effect at the time.

General Eligibility Requirements

  • Minimum credit score — typically 620, consistent with most conventional and FHA underwriting
  • Income limits — based on household size and county; check current limits, since they're adjusted periodically
  • Primary residence only — these programs aren't available for investment properties or second homes
  • Approved loan type — typically combinable with FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional financing
  • Homebuyer education course — many programs require completing a short course before closing
⚠️ "First-Time Buyer" Doesn't Always Mean What You Think: Many DPA programs define "first-time buyer" as someone who hasn't owned a home in the past three years — not someone who has literally never owned a home. If you sold a home more than three years ago, you may still qualify.

How DPA Combines With Your Loan

Down payment assistance isn't a standalone loan program — it works alongside a primary mortgage (FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional). The lender originating your primary loan needs to be an approved participating lender for the specific DPA program, which is one reason it helps to work with someone already familiar with how Home Plus and Home in Five integrate into the loan process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to repay Arizona down payment assistance? No, in most cases. Home Plus and Home in Five provide assistance as a forgivable grant rather than a loan, as long as you meet the program's occupancy requirements.
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer for Home Plus or Home in Five? Most DPA programs define "first-time buyer" as not having owned a home in the past three years, not someone who has never owned a home, which means more people qualify than the term suggests.
Can I combine down payment assistance with an FHA loan? Yes. Arizona DPA programs are typically designed to work alongside FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional loans, not as a replacement for them.
What's the difference between Home Plus and Home in Five? Home Plus is available statewide through the Arizona Department of Housing, while Home in Five is specific to Maricopa County and can offer a higher assistance percentage. Eligibility and terms vary, so it's worth comparing both for Maricopa County properties.

See How Much Assistance You Could Qualify For

Let's check your eligibility for Home Plus, Home in Five, and see how it pairs with your loan program of choice.

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