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Buying a home

Data from November 2026

Buying a home in Arizona

A typical home in Arizona is worth $394,500 (Average 2020–2024). The FHA limit for one unit is $541,287–$609,500 depending on the county. Here is the minimum down payment each loan type asks at that price, every county’s limit, and the state’s assistance programs.

Minimum down payment Limits by county
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Typical home
$394,500
median value, Average 2020–2024
19% more than the U.S.
FHA limit
$541,287–$609,500
one unit, by county
In 3 of the 15 counties, the limit is above the national floor ($541,287).
Conforming limit
$832,750
one unit, 2026 data
Above this amount, the loan is a “jumbo” loan.
Minimum FHA down payment
$13,808
3.5% of a $394,500 home
VA and USDA ask for no down payment if you qualify.

Source: American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Average 2020–2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Source: FHA mortgage limits (HUD) Data from 2026 data FHA mortgage limits (HUD) Source: Conforming loan limits (FHFA) Data from 2026 data Conforming loan limits (FHFA)

Down payment

How much each loan asks up front

For a $394,500 home, the typical value in Arizona. The minimum down payment is each program’s rule. The monthly figure is an example of principal and interest over 30 years at the 7.18% average rate (November 5, 2026): no taxes, insurance or mortgage insurance.

Your price, rate and down payment will differ: run the calculator with your numbers. Closing costs are extra.

Minimum down payment and monthly payment for a $394,500 home in Arizona

  1. FHA Program rule

    Minimum down3.5%

    In dollars$13,808

    Per month$2,579

    With a credit score of 580 or more. Carries mortgage insurance (MIP) up front and every month.

    HUD Handbook 4000.1 (Update 18), II.A.2.a.iv — Minimum Required Investment · In effect since September 14, 2016

  2. Conventional Program rule

    Minimum down3%

    In dollars$11,835

    Per month$2,592

    3% is the lowest standard option. With less than 20% down you pay private mortgage insurance (PMI) until you have more equity.

    Fannie Mae Selling Guide B5-6-01 — HomeReady Mortgage Loan and Borrower Eligibility · In effect since January 1, 2024

  3. VA Program rule

    Minimum down0%

    In dollars$0

    Per month$2,672

    For veterans, service members and some spouses. No down payment as long as the price is not above the appraisal; charges a one-time funding fee.

    VA: Purchase loan — benefits · In effect since January 1, 2020

  4. USDA Program rule

    Minimum down0%

    In dollars$0

    Per month$2,672

    Only homes in eligible rural areas and households within USDA’s income limit. Finances the full price.

    7 CFR §3555.103 — Maximum loan amount (Guaranteed Rural Housing Program) · In effect since December 9, 2013

  5. ITIN or other Example, not a rule

    Minimum down15%

    In dollars$59,175

    Per month$2,272

    ITIN loans follow no federal rule: each lender sets its own down payment and rate, and usually asks for more. 15% is an example.

Loan limits

FHA and conforming limit in every county

FHA sets the limit by area: 3 of the 15 counties in Arizona are high-cost and sit above the national floor ($541,287). The conforming limit is the most Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will buy; above it, the loan is a “jumbo”.

One unit. For 2- to 4-unit homes, each county page has the full table. Source: FHA mortgage limits (HUD) Data from 2026 data FHA mortgage limits (HUD)

Down payment help

Arizona programs for buyers

2 verified programs that put money toward the down payment or closing costs, or give a tax credit. With the source wording and the date we checked it.

Some help is a grant you never repay; other help is a second loan that is forgiven over the years or repaid when you sell. Each program’s tag says which kind it is.

See all programs

  • Home Plus

    Open, per the source

    Verified November 5, 2026

    Arizona IDA down payment assistance across Arizona: a second loan with no interest and no payments, forgiven after five years

    • Forgivable
    • Deferred
    See details

  • Home in Five Advantage

    Only in: Maricopa County

    Verified November 5, 2026

    Help from the Phoenix and Maricopa County development authorities for the down payment and closing costs in Maricopa County: up to 6% as a second loan, forgivable or with payments depending on the option; no first-time buyer requirement

    • Forgivable
    • Repayable
    See details

What the state publishes

Arizona rules that change the math

Exemptions that lower property tax and taxes paid when the deed is recorded, summarized from the official page each one cites.

Property tax in Arizona

Exemptions and caps

  • Senior Property Valuation Protection (valuation freeze)

    Owners who meet age and income requirements can freeze the valuation of their primary residence for a renewable three years. You apply to the county assessor with ADOR Form 82104. Arizona has no general property-tax homestead exemption; relief comes through programs like this one and specific exemptions.

    Ariz. Const. art. IX, §18(7) · Arizona Department of Revenue (ADOR) · Verified October 15, 2026

When the sale is recorded

  • The constitution bars new real property sale or transfer taxes

    The Arizona Constitution bars the state, counties, cities, towns, municipalities and other political subdivisions from imposing any new tax, fee or stamp requirement on selling, buying or conveying any interest in real property. It does not apply to taxes, fees or other assessments that already existed on December 31, 2007.

    Ariz. Const. art. IX, §24 · Arizona Constitution (Arizona State Legislature) · Verified October 16, 2026

  • $2 real estate transfer fee at recording

    Before recording a deed or contract for the sale or transfer of real property, the county recorder collects a $2 fee. That fee is already included in the amount charged under section 11-475, subsection A.

    A.R.S. §11-1132 · Arizona Revised Statutes (Arizona State Legislature) · Verified October 16, 2026

  • Affidavit of legal value at recording

    Every deed transferring title must carry, when recorded, an affidavit of the seller and the buyer (affidavit of legal value). The county recorder will not record the deed without a complete affidavit unless the document notes an exemption.

    A.R.S. §11-1133 · Arizona Revised Statutes (Arizona State Legislature) · Verified October 16, 2026

Your next steps

Where to go next in Arizona

What you can do today, free and without giving personal information. Go in order: your numbers first, then the help.

  1. Run the numbers with your figures

    The Arizona calculator already has the typical value, the average rate and the state’s property tax.

  2. Check whether you qualify for help

    Each program says what it gives, who qualifies and when we checked it.

  3. Talk to a counselor for free

    21 HUD-approved agencies help you prepare to buy; 17 say they serve in Spanish.

  4. Follow the steps to buy a home

    From the budget to the keys, in order.

Frequently asked questions

How much down payment do I need for a typical home in Arizona?

For a $394,500 home (typical value, Average 2020–2024), the FHA minimum (3.5%) is $13,808 and the conventional minimum (3%) is $11,835. VA and USDA ask no down payment if you qualify. State programs can cover part of it.

Are there high-cost counties in Arizona?

Yes. In 2026 data, 3 of the 15 counties in Arizona have an FHA limit above the national floor ($541,287); the highest is Coconino County ($609,500).

What is the conforming loan limit in Arizona?

In 2026 data, the conforming limit for one unit is $832,750 in every county in Arizona: the most Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will buy. Above it, the loan is a “jumbo” and each lender sets its own terms.

What would the monthly payment be on a typical home in Arizona?

With $394,500, the FHA minimum down payment ($13,808) and the 7.18% average rate (November 5, 2026), principal and interest over 30 years comes to about $2,579 a month. Tax, insurance and mortgage insurance are missing: the calculator adds them.

What down payment help is there in Arizona?

We have verified 2 state programs in Arizona that put money toward the down payment or closing costs, or give a tax credit. Each shows the source wording, who qualifies and the date we checked it.