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Home buyer help · Arizona

Buying a home in Arizona: the help you may qualify for.

Down payment assistance, property tax exemptions and veteran benefits in Arizona, gathered from official state sources and explained in plain English. Every program has its own rules, so check with the agency before you count on it.

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Last checked November 11, 2026Sources state agencies

Down payment and closing cost help

From the Arizona Industrial Development Authority.

  • Home Plus

    Up to 4% of the price

    Forgiven after 5 years. Statewide, continually funded, income up to $155,386 (April 2026), credit score 620+, homebuyer education.

  • Arizona Is Home

    4% of the price

    Non-forgivable second loan with a below-market rate, for rural counties (not Maricopa or Pima) at or under the area median income.

    2026 funds were reported used up as of October 2026.

Who qualifies: Through a participating lender. Some Arizona cities offer their own programs.

Property tax exemptions and credits

Exemptions lower your home’s taxable value or your bill. Most aren’t automatic: you apply with your county assessor. Arizona’s official exemptions information.

No exemption for every homeownerArizona doesn’t have a statewide property tax exemption for every homeowner. Its benefits are for the groups below. Some cities and counties add their own, so ask your county assessor.

For homeowners 65 and older

  • Senior valuation protection (Senior Freeze)

    Freezes your home's value for property tax

    For homeowners 65 or older who meet residency and income limits. You can sometimes get both this and the exemption above. Arizona doesn't have a general homestead exemption.

    How to apply: With your county assessor. (Arizona Department of Revenue)

For veterans

  • Widow, widower and disability exemption

    Up to $4,873 of assessed value (2026)

    For Arizona residents who are widows or widowers, or totally and permanently disabled, with total assessed value up to $36,454 and household income up to $39,865 ($47,826 with minor children or a child with a disability). It usually means a partial reduction, not a full one.

    How to apply: With your county assessor. (A.R.S. ยง42-11111)

Want to see which ones fit you? Answer a few questions in the property tax exemptions checker.

If you serve or served

  • VA home loan: available in every state, often with no down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance. You’ll need a Certificate of Eligibility. See VA home loans.
  • Property tax: veterans in Arizona may qualify for Widow, widower and disability exemption. See the details above.

Your next steps

  1. Work out a monthly cost you’re comfortable with in the home cost calculator. It also lists Arizona’s programs with the loans you may qualify for.
  2. Talk with a free or low-cost HUD-approved housing counselor. Find one near you.
  3. Ask each lender which of these programs they work with, and compare Loan Estimates from at least three.
  4. Follow the step-by-step home buyer’s guide from budget to keys.

Common questions

Does Arizona have down payment help for home buyers?

Yes. Programs from the Arizona Industrial Development Authority include Home Plus, Arizona Is Home. Through a participating lender. Some Arizona cities offer their own programs. Funding and rules change often, so check with the agency or a participating lender.

Does Arizona have a homestead or property tax exemption for homeowners?

Arizona doesn't have a statewide exemption for every homeowner. Its property tax benefits are for groups such as seniors, veterans and people with disabilities. Ask your county assessor about local programs.

Is there help for veterans buying a home in Arizona?

VA home loans are available in every state, often with no down payment. Veterans may also qualify for property tax benefits such as Widow, widower and disability exemption.

Sources: Arizona Industrial Development Authority and Arizona’s property tax office, linked above. Last checked November 11, 2026. Programs, amounts, income limits and funding change often, sometimes every year. Know Before You Own doesn’t recommend lenders or take referral fees. This page is general education, not legal, tax or lending advice. See other states.