First-Time Home Buyer Programs in Surprise, AZ: Down Payment Help and Next Steps
Buying your first home in Surprise usually comes down to one question: how much cash do you really need at closing, and is there help for it? There is. Surprise is in Maricopa County, so first-time buyers here can look at a statewide program, a Maricopa County program and the City of Surprise's own housing office. This page explains how each one works, what they have in common, and the steps to take before you start touring homes. Program rules and funding change, so every section links to the official source. Confirm current terms with a participating lender before you count on any of them.
What counts as a "first-time home buyer"?
For programs that use a first-time-buyer rule, the Arizona Department of Housing describes a first-time buyer as someone who has not owned real estate in the last three years, even if they owned a home before that. Not every program uses that rule. Confirm the definition with the program and a participating lender.
Down payment help available in Surprise
| Program | Who runs it | Assistance | Key rules |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Plus | Arizona Industrial Development Authority (statewide) | Up to 4% of the loan for down payment and closing costs | Income up to $155,386 (as of April 6, 2026); homebuyer education; forgivable option is forgiven after 5 years |
| Home in Five Advantage | Maricopa County and Phoenix Industrial Development Authorities | Down payment and closing cost help | Home in Maricopa County; FICO 640+; income up to $153,440 on the program homepage as of November 13, 2026; 8-hour class; some options are out of funds (see below) |
| Arizona is Home | Now part of Home in Five Advantage in Maricopa County | 3% to 6%, 7-year forgivable second loan, when funded | First-time buyers only; income up to $131,520; 6 months Arizona residency; FICO 640+. The 7-year option's funds were fully used as of June 25, 2026 — confirm before you plan around it |
| City of Surprise Homebuyer's Assistance Program | City of Surprise Housing Services Division | Varies with funding | Ask the city about current funding and eligibility |
Home Plus (statewide)
Home Plus pairs a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with up to 4% assistance for down payment and closing costs. It works in every Arizona county, city and zip code, and the program says it is available year-round. Home Plus's published key points list income and education requirements and do not list a first-time-buyer-only rule; confirm that with a participating lender. As of April 6, 2026, borrower annual income can be up to $155,386, and one borrower must complete a homebuyer education course before closing. The forgivable assistance is a no-interest, no-payment second mortgage that is forgiven after 5 years (60 months); if you sell or refinance before then, you repay it. You do not apply to Home Plus directly. You apply through an approved lender (Home Plus).
Home in Five Advantage and Arizona is Home (Maricopa County)
Home in Five Advantage helps low- and moderate-income buyers purchasing in Maricopa County. As stated on the program homepage on November 13, 2026, general requirements include a minimum 640 credit score, annual income up to $153,440, debt-to-income up to 50%, living in the home within 60 days of closing, and an 8-hour homebuyer education course from an Arizona HUD-approved housing counseling agency. New or existing houses, condos and townhouses qualify, and there is no purchase price limit (Home in Five Advantage).
Funding note: as of June 25, 2026, the program says funds for its 7-year forgivable assistance with a 30-year first mortgage have been fully used, and additional funds are not currently expected. Its Home in Five Platinum funds were also used up as of June 9, 2026 (Home in Five Advantage, lender news). Ask a participating lender which options are still open on the day you apply.
The Arizona is Home assistance is now part of Home in Five Advantage. The program page describes 3%, 4%, 5% or 6% as a 7-year forgivable second loan, for first-time buyers with income up to $131,520 who have lived in Arizona at least six months (Arizona is Home). Because this path uses the 7-year second loan, and the lender news page says those funds were fully used on June 25, 2026, do not assume it is currently funded.
City of Surprise
The City of Surprise's Housing Services page says the city offers access to homeownership opportunities and links to a Homebuyer's Assistance Program. On November 13, 2026, the Housing Programs page listed English and Spanish resource guides and did not list current assistance amounts or open funding. Contact the city to ask what, if anything, is open now. Do not count on a city dollar amount until they confirm it.
What these programs have in common
- You go through a lender, not the program. Pick a lender that is approved for the program you want. They check your eligibility and handle the paperwork.
- Homebuyer education is required. Plan on an 8-hour class from an Arizona HUD-approved counseling agency for the county programs. Many offer it online and in Spanish.
- The home has to be your primary residence. These programs are not for investment or second homes.
- Assistance is usually a second loan. "Forgivable" means you repay nothing if you keep the home and the loan for the full term. Selling or refinancing early usually means paying it back.
- There are income limits. They are based on household income and change every year.
Steps before you tour homes in Surprise
- Talk to an approved lender first. Ask them to compare a regular FHA, VA or conventional loan with and without assistance. Assistance programs can come with a slightly higher interest rate, so look at the total monthly payment, not just the cash to close.
- Take the homebuyer class early. You need the certificate before closing, and the class helps you understand your offer and inspection.
- Set your budget with the whole payment. Include property taxes, insurance and any HOA dues. Many Surprise communities have an HOA, and some newer ones have extra special district charges on the tax bill.
- Ask about builder incentives. If you are looking at new construction, builders sometimes offer closing cost help when you use their preferred lender. Compare that offer with an assistance program before you choose. Our new construction homes in Surprise guide covers what to ask. For a statewide and county program summary, see the Arizona down payment assistance page.
- Explore neighborhoods by what matters to you. Commute, schools, parks and price range vary across the city. Start with our Surprise neighborhood guides, such as Surprise Farms, Marley Park and Rancho Gabriela, and look up schools with our Dysart school finder.
If you are moving here from another state, also read Moving to Surprise and, for California movers, what changes when you buy here. Arizona is Home requires six months of Arizona residency, but Home Plus does not.
Frequently asked questions
Is there down payment assistance in Surprise, AZ?
Yes. Buyers in Surprise can use the statewide Home Plus program, which offers up to 4% for down payment and closing costs, and can check Maricopa County's Home in Five Advantage program and the City of Surprise Homebuyer's Assistance Program. Funding for the county and city programs changes, so confirm what is open with an approved lender.
Do I have to be a first-time buyer to get help buying a home in Arizona?
Not always. Arizona is Home requires first-time buyer status, defined as not having owned a residential property (or, in the state housing department's wording, real estate) in the last three years. Home Plus's published key points do not list a first-time-buyer-only rule; confirm with a participating lender.
What credit score do I need for Arizona down payment assistance?
Home in Five Advantage and Arizona is Home require a minimum 640 credit score. Check with an approved lender for the requirements of the specific loan you choose.
Do I have to pay back down payment assistance in Arizona?
Usually only if you sell or refinance early. Home Plus forgivable assistance is forgiven after 5 years, and Arizona is Home assistance after 7 years. If you sell, transfer or refinance before then, you repay it.
What is the income limit for Home Plus in Arizona?
As of April 6, 2026, Home Plus allows household income up to $155,386 in every Arizona county. Limits change, so confirm the current limit with a Home Plus approved lender.
Is a homebuyer education class required?
Yes. Home Plus requires one borrower to complete a homebuyer education course, and the Maricopa County programs require an 8-hour course from an Arizona HUD-approved housing counseling agency, available in person or online.
Buying your first home in Surprise? Jesus Sanchez is a real estate agent with Real who helps first-time buyers in Surprise and the West Valley, in English or Spanish, and can connect you with lenders who work with these programs. Call 480-531-5584 or visit realsanchez.com. Program details are summarized from the official sources linked above as of November 13, 2026 (America/Phoenix) and are not a loan offer; check with a lender for current terms. Equal Housing Opportunity.