Ready to Start Your Homebuying Journey?
Whether you're just researching or ready to take the next step, we’re here to help you navigate Phoenix real estate with clarity and confidence.
🏠Arizona Homebuyer Grants & Assistance Programs
Your guide to down payment help, closing cost support, and real‑life Phoenix examples.
Buying a home in Arizona — especially in Phoenix — often comes down to one thing: upfront costs. Down payments, closing fees, and cash reserves stop more buyers than credit or income ever do.
The good news?
Arizona offers multiple grant and assistance programs designed to reduce those upfront costs and help you buy sooner, with less out of pocket.
This guide breaks down each program, who qualifies, how much assistance you can get, and real‑life Phoenix scenarios so you can see exactly what’s possible.
⭐Why These Programs Matter in Phoenix
Phoenix home prices remain high, and affordability is one of the biggest challenges for first‑time and repeat buyers. With the median Phoenix home price around $465,000, even a 3–5% down payment can feel out of reach.
These programs help buyers:
-
Reduce or eliminate down payments
-
Cover closing costs
-
Access below‑market interest rates
-
Compete in a competitive market
-
Buy sooner instead of waiting years to save
Your Arizona home is closer than you think — let’s explore the programs that make it possible.
💡 Your affordability can swing by $40,000–$60,000 simply by choosing a neighborhood with lower HOAs or newer infrastructure. In Phoenix, ZIP code selection is one of the biggest affordability levers.
🏠Arizona State & Local Homebuyer Programs
Below is a clear breakdown of the most widely used programs in Phoenix and across Arizona, rewritten for clarity and buyer intent.
HOME+PLUS Program (Statewide)
What it offers:
-
Up to 4% down payment & closing cost assistance
-
Forgivable after 3 years
-
Works with FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional loans
Best for: Buyers who want flexible loan options and statewide availability.
Home in Five Advantage (Maricopa County)
What it offers:
-
Up to 4% assistance
-
Extra 1% for qualified military
-
Available only in Maricopa County, including Phoenix
Best for: Phoenix‑area buyers who want maximum assistance in the metro.
Arizona Is Home Program (Rural Counties)
What it offers:
-
4% down payment assistance
-
Below‑market 30‑year fixed rate
-
Forgivable after 5 years
Best for: First‑time buyers purchasing outside Maricopa & Pima counties.
WISH Program (Workforce Initiative Subsidy for Homeownership)
What it offers:
-
4‑to‑1 savings match
-
Up to $32,099 in assistance
-
Requires homebuyer education
Best for: Buyers with low‑to‑moderate income who can save consistently.
Middle‑Income Grant Program
What it offers:
-
Up to $50,000 toward down payment & closing costs
-
Requires buyer to contribute $10,000
-
First‑come, first‑served
Best for: Middle‑income buyers who don’t qualify for traditional assistance.
Tucson Homebuyer’s Solution (Pima County)
What it offers:
-
Down payment assistance for Pima County buyers
-
Works with local lenders
Best for: Buyers in Tucson and surrounding areas.
💡 Each program serves a different type of buyer. Phoenix‑area buyers often qualify for multiple options — comparing them side‑by‑side helps you maximize assistance.
Program
HOME+PLUS
Home in Five
Arizona Is Home
WISH
Middle‑Income Grant
Tucson Solution
Max Assistance
Up to 4%
Up to 4–5%
4%
Up to $32,099
Up to $50,000
Varies
Forgiveness
3 years
N/A
5 years
N/A
N/A
N/A
Income Limit
$136,609
$138,600
≤100% AMI
Low‑to‑moderate
Middle‑income
$126,351
Credit Score
620+
640+
640+
Varies
Varies
640+
Best For
Statewide buyers needing flexibility
Phoenix/Maricopa buyers
Rural first‑time buyers
Savers who can match funds
Buyers with $10K to contribute
Pima County buyers
🏠Pathway to Purchase (P2P) — Currently Paused but Highly Searched
Even though the Pathway to Purchase (P2P) program is currently paused, it remains one of the most searched homebuyer assistance programs in Arizona — especially among Phoenix buyers looking for larger down‑payment help. Because of its popularity and the possibility of future relaunches, it’s important for buyers to understand how it works.
What P2P Offered When Active
-
Up to $20,000 in down payment & closing cost assistance
-
Targeted to select Arizona cities (including parts of Phoenix, Tucson, Yuma, and Casa Grande)
-
30‑year fixed mortgage with competitive rates
-
Assistance was forgivable after 5 years
-
Designed for low‑to‑moderate income buyers
Why Buyers Still Search for It
P2P was one of the most generous programs Arizona has ever offered. Many buyers still look for it because:
-
It offered more assistance than most current programs
-
It targeted high‑need areas
-
It helped buyers compete in rising‑price markets
-
It was simpler than matched‑savings programs like WISH
Even though it’s paused, it may return — and buyers want to be ready.
💡 Phoenix Tip: P2P has relaunched multiple times in the past when funding becomes available. If it returns, it typically fills fast — buyers who are pre‑approved and educated get priority access.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Phoenix Real Estate Investors & Portfolio Builders
What is the best homebuyer grant program in Arizona?
There is no single “best” program — it depends on your income, credit, and where you’re buying.
-
Phoenix/Maricopa County: Home in Five
-
Statewide: HOME+PLUS
-
Rural areas: Arizona Is Home
-
Savers: WISH
-
Middle‑income buyers: Middle‑Income Grant
-
If P2P returns: It typically offers the largest assistance amounts
A quick eligibility review will show which program fits your situation.
Can I combine multiple Arizona homebuyer grants?
Most programs cannot be stacked with each other. However, you can combine grants with:
-
Seller credits
-
Lender credits
-
Rate buydowns
-
Gift funds
-
Employer assistance
Your lender will confirm which combinations are allowed.
Is Pathway to Purchase (P2P) still available?
P2P is currently paused, but it has relaunched multiple times in the past when new funding becomes available. It remains one of the most searched programs because it historically offered up to $20,000 in assistance. Buyers who want access should join a notification list so they’re ready if it returns.
How much assistance can I get in Phoenix?
Most Phoenix buyers receive 3%–5% of the loan amount through programs like:
-
HOME+PLUS
-
Home in Five
-
Middle‑Income Grant (up to $50,000)
The exact amount depends on your income, credit score, and loan type.
Do I have to be a first‑time homebuyer to qualify?
Not always. Programs that do NOT require first‑time buyer status:
-
HOME+PLUS
-
Home in Five
-
Middle‑Income Grant
Programs that DO require it:
-
WISH
-
Arizona Is Home
-
Some city‑specific programs
A “first‑time buyer” is defined as someone who hasn’t owned a home in the last 3 years.
What credit score do I need for Arizona homebuyer grants?
Most programs require:
-
620+ for conventional loans
-
640+ for FHA/VA/USDA through assistance programs
-
660+ for some matched‑savings programs
Higher scores may unlock better rates and more assistance options.
What income do I need to qualify for assistance?
Income limits vary by program:
-
HOME+PLUS: up to $136,609
-
Home in Five: up to $138,600
-
WISH: low‑to‑moderate income
-
Middle‑Income Grant: middle‑income households
-
Arizona Is Home: ≤100% of Area Median Income
Your household size and loan type also affect eligibility.
Do these programs run out of funding?
Yes — especially:
-
Middle‑Income Grant
-
WISH
-
Pathway to Purchase (when active)
Programs like HOME+PLUS and Home in Five typically have more stable funding.
Can I use grant programs for new construction?
Yes — most programs allow new builds as long as:
-
The builder is approved
-
The property meets FHA/VA/USDA/conventional guidelines
-
The home will be your primary residence
Some programs may require additional inspections.
Can I use down payment assistance with VA or USDA loans?
Yes. Even though VA and USDA loans offer 0% down, buyers can still use assistance to cover:
-
Closing costs
-
Rate buydowns
-
Prepaids
-
Reserves
This is one of the most powerful combinations for eligible buyers.
How long do I have to live in the home?
Most programs require you to live in the home as your primary residence for:
-
3 years (HOME+PLUS)
-
5 years (Arizona Is Home, P2P when active)
-
Varies (WISH, Middle‑Income Grant)
Selling or refinancing early may require repayment of the assistance.
Can I use these programs if I’m self‑employed?
Yes — as long as you can document:
-
2 years of tax returns
-
Stable income
-
Acceptable DTI
Self‑employed buyers often qualify for the same programs as W‑2 buyers.
Are there grants for middle‑income buyers in Phoenix?
Yes — the Middle‑Income Grant offers up to $50,000 for buyers who earn too much for traditional assistance but still need help with upfront costs. This program fills quickly each year.
Are there grants for repeat buyers?
Yes. Programs like HOME+PLUS, Home in Five, and the Middle‑Income Grant allow repeat buyers as long as the home will be your primary residence.
What’s the fastest way to find out which program I qualify for?
A quick eligibility review based on your:
-
Income
-
Credit score
-
Household size
-
Target ZIP code
-
Loan type
-
Down payment
…will show exactly which programs you qualify for and how much assistance you can receive.
🤝 Work With Sold & Sunset
Your trusted starting point for learning, planning, and preparing for your real estate journey.
Most people begin their real estate journey with questions — not contracts. Sold & Sunset exists to support that early stage: the research phase, the “I’m curious,” the “I’m not ready to talk to anyone yet,” and the “I just want to understand how this works.”
We’re here to give you clarity, confidence, and credible information long before you ever speak with an agent or lender.
And when you are ready to move from research → action, we connect you with trusted Real Estate and Mortgage Lending Partners who can guide you through the next steps.
🌟 How Sold & Sunset Supports Your Early Journey
📘 Learn the Process at Your Own Pace
Explore guides, checklists, neighborhood insights, and step‑by‑step explanations designed for beginners — no pressure, no sales pitch.
📍 Understand Phoenix Neighborhoods
Compare areas, home styles, price ranges, and long‑term trends with clear, neutral, compliance‑friendly information.
🎁 Discover Grants & Assistance Options
Learn about federal, state, and local programs that can help with:
-
Down payments
-
Closing costs
-
Affordability support
All explained in simple, practical terms.
📊 Build a Realistic Plan
Use our tools and resources to understand:
-
How much you can afford
-
What credit score you need
-
What down payment options exist
-
What to expect at each stage
So you can make informed decisions when the time is right.
🧭 Avoid Early‑Stage Mistakes
We help you understand the pitfalls that catch many first‑time buyers off guard — before you’re under contract or financially committed.
🔗 When You’re Ready, We Connect You with Trusted Partners
Once you feel confident and prepared, Sold & Sunset pairs you with:
-
A vetted Real Estate Partner
-
A trusted Mortgage Lending Partner
These professionals take you from education → execution, guiding you through:
-
Pre‑approval
-
Touring homes
-
Making offers
-
Inspections
-
Closing
You stay in control. You choose when you’re ready.
💡 Phoenix Tip: Many buyers spend weeks — sometimes months — in the research phase. That’s normal. Sold & Sunset is designed to support you during this stage so that when you’re ready to take action, you already feel informed and confident.