Arizona Is Home Program Grows to $18M, Helping 1,000 Buyers Statewide

Facing growing housing affordability challenges, Governor Katie Hobbs has announced a $5 million expansion of the Arizona Is Home program, boosting its total funds to $18 million. 

According to the governor’s office, this expansion, financed through the federal American Rescue Plan Act, is expected to support approximately 1,000 first-time homebuyers across the state, though no specific county-by-county breakdown has been released. 

Eligible applicants in Pima and Maricopa counties may receive up to $9,000 in down-payment assistance, subject to local program rules.

Launched in 2024 with an initial $13 million investment, Arizona Is Home has already helped more than 500 families achieve homeownership. 

In Phoenix, the program is available to individuals and households earning up to 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI), with income thresholds adjusted based on household size. All participants must complete a homebuyer education course.

The program delivers mortgage interest relief and down-payment assistance, typically structured as a deferred second mortgage that is forgivable after five years. These measures come in response to rising interest rates and rapid population growth in Arizona, Maricopa County alone added about 57,000 residents between 2021 and 2022.

“With Arizona Is Home, we've turned the dream of owning a home into a reality, and now even more Arizonans will have that same opportunity,” Governor Hobbs said. 

The Arizona Department of Housing also expressed support for the expansion, stating that it is proud to oversee this important initiative advancing affordable homeownership. 

"The program, which was launched in partnership with the Arizona Department of Housing in 2024, provides down payment assistance and mortgage interest rate relief for eligible Arizonans." Continuing: “Thank you @GovernorHobbs for expanding this program!”

As demand for affordable housing continues to rise, state officials say this expansion is only the beginning of broader efforts to make homeownership a reality for more Arizonans.

Applications for the expanded program are now open statewide, with the goal of serving about 1,000 residents.

“We’re not just investing in housing—we’re investing in people,” Hobbs said. “This expansion reflects our commitment to making Arizona a place where working families can build a future.”