Down Payment Assistance
Opening Doors to First-Time Homeownership
The key to affording your first home in Pima County.
Owning a home is a powerful investment that has the potential to create lasting wealth that ripples out for generations.
Becoming a homeowner can be expensive. In fact, many people believe owning a home is out of reach because a lack of up front funding to help with a down payment.
At CIC, we support pathways to homeownership by administering down payment assistance programs and connecting the community to education and resources that make the homebuying process more accessible.
By providing education and access to capital, first-time homebuyers have a greater opportunities for homeownership in Pima County.
Two Programs Available for Pima County Homebuyers:
PimaTucson Homebuyer’s Solution
PimaTucson Homebuyer’s Solution is available to Pima County homebuyers through the Industrial Development Authorities of Pima County and City of Tucson (IDAs). CIC is the program administrator for the program and provides the down payment assistance on behalf of the IDAs.
Program Benefits
- Homebuyers receive between 2% and 5% down payment assistance.
Maximum Household Income: $146,503
To see a full list of program requirements, please visit the Pima Tucson Homebuyers Solution (“PTHS”) webpage.
DID YOU KNOW?
Both down payment assistance programs below be combined with each other, as well as with the Mortgage Credit Certificate program.
A Mortgage Credit Certificate is a tax credit that reduces your federal tax liability. You receive a tax credit for 40% (up to a maximum $2,000) of your annual mortgage interest each year for as long as you own and remain in the home purchased.
HOME Down Payment Assistance
HOME down payment assistance is offered to Pima County homebuyers offered by The City of Tucson and Pima County. CIC is the program administrator and provides the down payment assistance.
Program Benefits
- Down payment assistance of up to 20% of the purchase price, up to $50,000.
- After the affordability period ends, the accrued interest will be forgiven. The principal must be paid back upon sale of the home.
- Homebuyer education course.
The Homebuyer must:
- Agree to occupy the property as principal residence during affordability period, depending on the amount of assistance.
- Complete HUD certified Homebuyer Counseling at a participating agency prior to home purchase contract.
- Qualify for a mortgage loan that meets established program standards; No adjustable rate mortgages (ARM) are permitted; mortgage terms must be reviewed and approved by the housing counselor at one of the participating agencies listed.
- No cash assets exceeding $10,000.
- Homebuyer must contribute $1,000 minimum of his/her own funds (must be documented and verified) towards the home.
- Must have the equivalent of two month’s mortgage payments in reserves on deposit at the bank.
- Debt to income ratios Household income must show ability to support mortgage payment including all additional debt.
- Maximum housing debt/income ratio shall not exceed 45%. Any ratio above 35% must have compensating factors documented and supported and must be approved by the City/ County.
- Prior to approval of home purchase contact, properties must be approved by the City/ County for compliance with federal environment standards.
- Homes purchased must be inspected by a state certified inspector, and must meet HUD’s minimum housing quality standards.
- Home inspection and the purchase of a home warranty may be used towards the buyer’s contribution requirement.
- Purchase of home warranty is required.
- Homes constructed prior to 1978, must get inspected for paint and lead conditions.
Family Size | Maximum Household Income |
|---|---|
1 | $55,900 |
2 | $63,900 |
3 | $71,900 |
4 | $79,850 |
5 | $86,250 |
6 | $92,650 |
7 | $99,050 |
8 | $105,450 |
Property Type | Maximum Purchase Price* |
|---|---|
Existing Home | $304,000 |
New Construction | $345,000 |
*Effective March 2026
HOME Program available in Pima County only.
How To Apply
If you are interested in applying for the HOME program, please contact one of the approved counseling agencies listed below. If you are eligible for assistance, the counseling agency will request down payment assistance from CIC on your behalf.