Updated · Mike Certo, NMLS #260555
Arizona First-Time Home Buyer Grants Explained
"Grant" is the most-searched DPA term in Arizona, but most assistance isn't technically a grant. Here's what an Arizona FTHB grant actually is, how it differs from forgivable and repayable assistance, and how to pick one for your scenario.
Grant vs. forgivable second vs. repayable second
Three structures cover most Arizona DPA programs, and search-volume language uses "grant" loosely. The actual structures:
- True grant: Non-recoverable assistance. Once received, it's yours — no payment, no payoff, no recapture. Rare in Arizona DPA.
- Forgivable second mortgage: A silent second lien that forgives after a stay period (3, 5, 7 years). No monthly payment. If you sell or refinance during the forgiveness window, you owe the unforgiven portion.
- Repayable second mortgage: A second lien with its own monthly payment over 10-30 years. Lower first-mortgage pricing in exchange for the second payment.
Arizona "grant" programs by name
Search-volume buyers use "grant" but the technical structure varies:
- Home in Five Advantage — Maricopa County only. Often called a "grant" because the assistance (up to 6.5%: 5% base plus 1% qualified plus a 0.5% BOOST) is forgiven after 36 months continued occupancy. Household income up to $157,360, 640 FICO.
- Home Plus — statewide AZ. Up to 5% (4% plus an extra 1% for Active Duty and Veterans), with forgivable, deferred, and repayable structures. Borrower income up to $155,386 ($146,503 with government loans), 620 minimum FICO.
- Pima Tucson Homebuyer's Solution — Pima County. Forgivable after stay period.
- Flagstaff CHAP — Flagstaff city limits only. Up to $50K matched savings structure.
- Chenoa Fund — national. Forgivable variant available with stay period.
- Arrive Home — national. Forgivable after 36 months occupancy.
- Essex/NHF — national. Down payment + closing cost assistance.
One DPA program per transaction
You pick ONE DPA program per home purchase. Most Arizona DPA programs do not combine with another DPA. DPA pairs with the underlying first mortgage (FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional) — that's the standard arrangement, not "stacking" multiple DPA programs.
Eligibility checklist by program
| Program | FTHB required? | Min FICO | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home In Five Advantage | No | 640+ | Maricopa County buyers with public-servant bonus eligibility |
| Home Plus | Varies by config | 620+ | Statewide AZ first-time buyers |
| Pima Tucson HBS | Yes | 640+ | Pima County moderate-income buyers |
| Flagstaff CHAP | Yes | 640+ | Flagstaff city limits buyers with planning lead time |
| Chenoa Fund | No | 600+ | Lower-FICO buyers or income above local program caps |
| Arrive Home | No | 620+ | Buyers wanting forgiveness without first-time requirement |
| Essex/NHF | No | 640+ | Closing cost + down payment combination need |
How to pick the right one
Your decision drivers, in order: county (Home In Five only works in Maricopa; Pima HBS only in Pima; Flagstaff CHAP only Flagstaff city), credit score (Chenoa for sub-620), first-time buyer status (Home In Five is FTHB-flexible; Pima HBS requires FTHB), and income (local programs have caps; national programs typically don't).
Next step
The Arizona DPA Program Matcher on our sister site walks through five questions and returns a likely-fit shortlist. Or call us for a 20-minute consult.
Related
Frequently asked questions
Is there a true Arizona first-time home buyer grant?
True non-recoverable grants are rare in Arizona. Most programs marketed as "grants" are forgivable second mortgages with a stay period. Home in Five Advantage (Maricopa County) acts like a grant because its assistance, up to 6.5% of the loan amount, is forgiven after 36 months of continued occupancy. Sell or refinance early and you repay the unforgiven portion.
How much down payment assistance can I get in Arizona?
It depends on the program. Home in Five offers up to 6.5% (5% base, 1% qualified, 0.5% BOOST) in Maricopa County. Home Plus offers up to 5% statewide (4% plus 1% for Active Duty and Veterans). City of Phoenix Open Doors goes up to 10% subject to the current program cap, and Pima Tucson Homebuyer's Solution offers up to 5%.
Can I combine multiple DPA grants?
No. You use one DPA program per home purchase, and Arizona programs do not stack with each other. The DPA you choose does layer on top of your first mortgage, whether that is FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional. So you get one source of down payment help paired with one loan, not two assistance programs at once.
What FICO score do I need for Arizona down payment assistance?
Minimum FICO varies by program: Home Plus requires 620 and Home in Five requires 640. The Chenoa Fund accepts scores from 600. Below 600 usually means working on credit first before you apply. Your underlying loan has its own floor too: FHA allows 580 with 3.5% down, or 500 to 579 with 10% down.
What are the income limits for Arizona DPA programs?
Income caps vary by program. Home Plus allows borrower income up to $155,386, or $146,503 with government loans. Home in Five allows household income up to $157,360 as of 6/10/2026. National programs like Chenoa Fund often have no income cap, which makes them useful when you earn above a local program's limit.
Do grants affect my mortgage rate?
DPA programs usually fund the assistance through the pricing on your first mortgage, so the structure can affect your loan pricing. We don't quote rates here because they change daily and pricing is file-specific. The right way to compare is a full review of your scenario, where we show you the total cost of the assisted loan versus a standard loan.