East Valley buyer guide
The cash needed for a down payment and closing costs can be a major obstacle to buying a home. Three programs worth discussing with a participating lender are Arizona HOME Plus, Maricopa County’s Home in Five, and the WISH matching grant.
If you have the income to manage a mortgage payment but are still building your savings, Arizona down payment assistance in 2026 may give you more options. Buyers in Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Queen Creek, Tempe, and surrounding East Valley communities can explore programs with different geographic rules, income limits, loan terms, and funding requirements.
The right starting point is to understand how each program works. Then a participating lender can compare actual loan offers and determine whether you and the home qualify.
Quick answer
What down payment assistance programs are available for Arizona homebuyers in 2026? HOME Plus offers eligible buyers statewide up to 4% assistance through a second mortgage. Home in Five offers eligible Maricopa County buyers up to 6% assistance for down payment and closing costs. The WISH program offers eligible first-time buyers a 4-to-1 matching grant, up to $32,837 in 2026, through participating financial institutions.
Arizona Down Payment Assistance 2026: Three Programs to Know
HOME Plus
Up to 4%
Statewide assistance paired with an eligible mortgage. The second mortgage terms depend on the option selected.
Home in Five
Up to 6%
Down payment and closing cost assistance for eligible Maricopa County purchases.
WISH
4-to-1 match
A matching grant of up to $32,837 in 2026 for eligible first-time buyers, subject to available funds.
The advertised maximum is not an estimate of what any particular buyer will receive. A lender must confirm the current program option, assistance calculation, mortgage payment, and cash needed at closing.
HOME Plus: Statewide Assistance
Arizona’s HOME Plus program is available across the state, including the East Valley. It pairs an eligible 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with up to 4% assistance that can go toward a down payment, closing costs, or both. The Arizona Industrial Development Authority lists a borrower income limit of $155,386 as of April 6, 2026, subject to change.
HOME Plus assistance is provided as a second mortgage, rather than cash with no conditions. The program describes both forgivable and non-forgivable options. Under its five-year forgivable option, the second mortgage carries no interest or monthly payment and is forgiven after 60 months; selling or refinancing before then requires repayment of that lien. Ask the lender to explain the terms of the specific option in your quote.
At least one borrower must complete homebuyer education before closing. HOME Plus is funded year-round, and applicants work through an approved lender. You do not have to be a first-time buyer to qualify for HOME Plus, although owning other real estate can limit available options. For an overview of the purchase process, visit Donna’s buyer resources.
Home in Five: A Maricopa County Option
The Phoenix and Maricopa County industrial development authorities offer Home in Five Advantage and Home in Five Platinum. Their published overview says eligible buyers can receive up to 6% assistance toward a down payment and closing costs when purchasing in Maricopa County.
The program’s eligibility page lists requirements for credit, income, debt-to-income ratio, homebuyer education, and owner occupancy. It also says eligible properties can be located anywhere in Maricopa County. Because program options and lender offerings can change, have a participating lender confirm the assistance amount, second-loan repayment terms, and requirements that apply to your application.
If Gilbert is on your search list, Donna’s Gilbert area page can help you explore the community while you discuss financing with a lender.
WISH: A Matching Grant for Eligible First-Time Buyers
The Workforce Initiative Subsidy for Homeownership, or WISH, works differently. The Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco offers a $4 grant match for each $1 of eligible buyer contribution, up to $32,837 per buyer in 2026. Participating member financial institutions deliver the grants; buyers should contact one of those institutions directly.
For example, an eligible $8,000 contribution could produce a $32,000 match, making $40,000 in combined buyer contribution and grant funds. The actual award depends on program approval and available funding. Eligible contributions may include savings, gift funds, or other sources permitted by the program.
WISH requires the buyer to meet its first-time homebuyer definition, complete homebuyer counseling, and have income at or below 80% of the applicable HUD area median income. The buyer must open escrow within one year of program enrollment. Funding is limited, so ask a participating institution about availability early. To compare locations and listings while planning your purchase, explore Donna’s Arizona area guides and available properties.
One distinction to remember
“First-time buyer” is not a universal requirement across these programs. HOME Plus can serve eligible repeat buyers; WISH has its own first-time buyer requirement. Let the lender check the rule for each program instead of ruling yourself out.
How to Compare Assistance Before You Apply
- Speak with participating lenders. Confirm which programs they offer and whether your income, credit, intended property, and loan type meet the current requirements.
- Compare the complete loan costs. Ask for the interest rate, estimated monthly payment, mortgage insurance, closing costs, and cash needed to close with and without assistance.
- Read the second-loan or grant conditions. Ask what happens if you sell, refinance, or transfer the home before any forgiveness or retention period ends.
- Check other sources of closing funds. A lender can determine whether a particular program permits seller-paid costs, other assistance, or a combination of funding sources for your transaction.
Down payment assistance does not replace mortgage qualification. A buyer still needs to satisfy the lender’s underwriting and the program’s rules. It can, however, reduce some upfront costs for a buyer who qualifies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a first-time buyer to use Arizona down payment assistance?
Not always. HOME Plus does not require first-time buyer status. WISH does require buyers to meet its first-time buyer definition. Check the current rules for each program.
Is HOME Plus assistance a grant?
HOME Plus provides assistance through a second mortgage. Its options include a five-year forgivable structure, but repayment can be required if you sell or refinance during the first 60 months.
Can I use WISH anywhere in the East Valley?
The property and buyer must meet WISH rules, and the grant must be provided through a participating financial institution with available funds. Confirm the specific home and your eligibility with that institution.
Plan Your East Valley Home Purchase
Arizona down payment assistance in 2026 offers several paths, but the best choice depends on the complete mortgage terms and your circumstances. Donna can help you plan your East Valley home search and coordinate with a participating lender so you can evaluate homes with a clear budget.
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Program terms, funding, rates, and eligibility can change. Assistance and mortgage approval are subject to lender and program requirements. This article is general information, not a loan offer or a guarantee of financing.