Tucson Down Payment Assistance
See how Tucson-area buyers can use the Pima Tucson Homebuyer's Solution, which offers 2% to 5% of the loan as deferred assistance (5% only with its EDGE rate buy-down), or statewide Home Plus at up to 4%.
Population
545,975
Median Home Price
$345,000
Median Income
$47,070
Pima Tucson DPA
Up to 5%
Down Payment Assistance in Tucson, Arizona
Tucson is the second largest city in Arizona and the county seat of Pima County, offering a unique blend of desert beauty, cultural richness, and economic opportunity. With a median home price around $345,000, Tucson remains more affordable than Phoenix while providing excellent amenities and employment.
The Tucson economy is anchored by aerospace/defense (Raytheon), education (University of Arizona), and healthcare (Banner, TMC). Davis-Monthan Air Force Base brings military families and stable employment to the region.
Tucson homebuyers can use two ongoing DPA programs: the Pima Tucson Homebuyer's Solution, offering 2% to 5% of the loan as deferred assistance, and Home Plus Arizona, offering up to 4%. Both accept first-time and repeat buyers, and Pima Tucson Lighthouse adds a first-time buyer option when a funding round is open.
Popular areas include the growing suburbs of Oro Valley, Marana, Sahuarita, and Vail, as well as established neighborhoods like Catalina Foothills and Rita Ranch. Many homes fall within DPA purchase price limits, making homeownership accessible.
DPA Program Note
The Pima Tucson Homebuyer’s Solution and Home Plus are both available here; Lighthouse only when a funding round is open.
Why Tucson for Homeownership?
Key factors that make Tucson an excellent market for buyers using down payment assistance.
Second largest city in Arizona
Home to University of Arizona
Major aerospace and defense hub
Affordable compared to Phoenix
Major Employers in Tucson
Tucson's diverse economy provides stable employment for home buyers qualifying for DPA programs.
Popular Tucson-Area Communities
Explore neighborhoods and suburbs in the Tucson area where DPA programs can help you buy a home.
DPA Eligibility in Tucson
Most Tucson-area buyers who meet the following criteria can qualify for Arizona down payment assistance programs.
- Income within the program's limit (the Homebuyer's Solution and Home Plus each use one cap for every household size; Lighthouse rounds scale by household size)
- A credit score at or above the program floor (640 for the Pima Tucson Homebuyer's Solution; Home Plus sets its own, and lenders can require more)
- Purchasing a primary residence in Arizona
- Completing a HUD-approved homebuyer education course (available online)
- Working with a lender that participates in the program (we confirm whether yours can go through Cornerstone First Mortgage)
- Staying within the loan or price limits that apply (the Homebuyer's Solution follows agency loan limits)
Eligibility requirements vary by program. Contact the Cook Brothers Mortgage Team for a personalized eligibility assessment based on your specific financial situation and the Tucson area where you plan to buy.
Tucson DPA FAQs
How much down payment assistance can I get in Tucson?
The Pima Tucson Homebuyer's Solution offers Tucson buyers deferred assistance of 2% to 5% of the loan amount, with the 5% level available only alongside its EDGE rate buy-down. Home Plus Arizona offers up to 4%. Pima Tucson Lighthouse adds 4% for first-time buyers only while a funding round is open. Because each percentage applies to the loan rather than the price, the dollar amount depends on the mortgage you take.
What are the income limits for DPA in Pima County?
Each program counts income its own way. The Pima Tucson Homebuyer's Solution uses one cap for every household size: $155,386 with FHA, VA, USDA-RD or Fannie Mae HFA Preferred loans, and $79,840 with its 80%-of-AMI conventional options. Home Plus Arizona caps the borrowers' income at $155,386 statewide for 2026. Lighthouse, when a round is open, sets limits by household size. Contact us and we'll check the one that fits your purchase.
Do I have to be a first-time buyer to use DPA in Tucson?
No. The Pima Tucson Homebuyer's Solution and Home Plus Arizona both accept repeat buyers; only Lighthouse, when a round is open, is limited to first-time buyers. If you've owned a home before, you may still qualify for assistance in Tucson.
Check Your Eligibility in Tucson
Take our free 60-second quiz to see which Arizona DPA programs you may qualify for in the Tucson area. Answering won't affect your credit, and there's no obligation.
Cook Brothers Mortgage Team at Cornerstone First Mortgage | NMLS #173855