In 2025, Maricopa County, AZ, had roughly 4.69 million residents (United States Census Bureau, QuickFacts), up 6% from 2020. With this population growth, demand for housing has risen, and so has the average home price, now at $473,406.
If you’re looking to purchase a new home, managing your upfront costs will be crucial. One way to do this is to find an FHA loan in Maricopa County. These loans can be ideal for borrowers who might not have significant savings for a down payment or whose credit score isn’t strong enough for conventional lending.
Keep reading as we look into the benefits of using an FHA loan, the FHA loan limits in Maricopa County, and the documents you’ll need when you apply.
With average housing prices in Maricopa County slowly approaching $500,000, affordability is a major concern for many buyers, especially first-time homebuyers who may not be able to make a large down payment.
However, the low down payment requirement isn’t the only benefit of using an FHA loan to purchase a new home in Phoenix and the surrounding areas. Here’s a look at the benefits of using an FHA loan in Maricopa County.
Before you apply for an FHA loan, it’s important to understand whether you’ll qualify. This can make the process more efficient and help you move into your new home faster. Here are all the eligibility requirements for an FHA loan in Maricopa County.
FHA allows borrowers with a credit score of 580 or higher to receive the most favorable loan terms, including a 3.5% down payment. Borrowers with a credit score between 500 and 579 are limited to a loan-to-value of 90%, meaning you’ll need a down payment of at least 10%.
Also, not all lenders will approve borrowers with a credit score below 580. Understand your lender’s requirements before submitting an application.
One of the biggest advantages of using an FHA loan to purchase a home in Maricopa County, AZ, is the low down payment requirements. If you have a credit score of at least 580, you could qualify with a down payment as low as 3.5%.
If your credit score doesn’t meet the requirements for 3.5%, you can still be approved for an FHA loan as long as your score is above 500 and you make a down payment of at least 10%.
Your DTI is the total amount you pay each month toward debt compared to your gross income. For manually underwritten FHA loans, your DTI, when considering only your housing expense, can’t exceed 31%, and for all debts, it must stay below 43%.
These numbers do have some flexibility. If you have strong credit or other compensating factors, such as a large cash reserve, some lenders will approve borrowers with a DTI above the stated limits.
FHA borrowers must have stable, verifiable income. This demonstrates to the lender that you’ll be able to comfortably make the required mortgage payments each month. FHA underwriters will consider employment income as well as any of the following types of income:
When using an FHA loan to purchase a home, the home must be your primary residence, not a second home or investment property. At least one borrower must move in and occupy the home within 60 days of closing on the loan. They must also continue to reside in the home for at least one year.
FHA 203(b) financing can be used to purchase a 1- to 4-unit property, as long as it passes the FHA appraisal and property requirements and you meet occupancy guidelines.
When purchasing a home with an FHA loan, the loan amount must fall within the FHA loan limits for Maricopa County, AZ, based on the property size. In 2026, the FHA loan limits for Maricopa County are $557,750 for a one-unit property, $714,000 for two units, $863,100 for three units, and $1,072,600 for four units.
FHA loans require borrowers to have mortgage insurance. This comes in two forms, upfront mortgage insurance, which can be rolled into your loan amount, and annual mortgage insurance, which is paid monthly as part of your mortgage payment.
When applying for an FHA loan in Maricopa County, be prepared to provide:
One of the benefits of using an FHA loan to purchase a home in Maricopa County is that down payment assistance programs are available. These programs can further reduce the upfront cash you’ll need to purchase a home.
Here are two down payment assistance programs available across Arizona and one specifically for those looking to purchase in Maricopa County.
Home Plus is administered by the Arizona Industrial Development Authority and is available across Arizona, including Maricopa County. Through this program, you can receive up to 4% of the first mortgage amount to help cover the down payment and closing costs.
The assistance is provided through a 0% interest second mortgage with no monthly payments. As long as you meet all requirements, the second mortgage will be forgiven after five years.
To be eligible for this program, at least one borrower must complete an approved homebuyer education course. In 2026, the borrower income limit is set at $155,386.
Another statewide program is Arizona Is Home. This is an Arizona Department of Housing program designed to help cover the upfront costs for first-time homebuyers (defined as someone who hasn’t owned real estate in the previous three years). Buyers can have an income up to 120% of the area’s median income where they’re purchasing.
The Home in Five Advantage is a program from the Industrial Development Authorities of Maricopa County and Phoenix, specifically designed to help low- to medium-income families in Maricopa County purchase a home. Residents can receive up to 6% to help cover the down payment and closing costs.
This program has some requirements that differ from those of the FHA. To use the Home in Five Advantage, borrowers must meet the following requirements:
What is the FHA loan limit in Maricopa County for 2026?
The 2026 FHA loan limits in Maricopa County depend on the size of the property you’re purchasing. For a one-unit property, it’s $557,750; for two units, $714,000; for three units, $863,100; and for four units, $1,072,600.
Can I get an FHA loan in Maricopa County with bad credit?
Because FHA loans have more forgiving eligibility requirements, borrowers with a credit score of 580 or higher would qualify for maximum financing. If your credit score is between 500 and 579, you could still qualify, but you would need a down payment of at least 10%.
Are there down payment assistance programs for FHA loans in Maricopa County?
Yes, Maricopa County offers down payment assistance programs, including the Home in Five Advantage. You can also use State of Arizona programs, Home Plus and Arizona is Home.
Can I use an FHA loan to buy a condo in Maricopa County?
Yes, you can use an FHA loan to buy a condo in Maricopa County, provided you meet all FHA lending requirements.
How do FHA loan limits in Maricopa County, AZ compare to the national baseline?
FHA loan limits in Maricopa County, AZ, are slightly higher than the national baseline due to higher housing costs. The national baseline limits are $541,287 for one-unit properties, $693,050 for two-unit properties, $837,700 for three-unit properties, and $1,041,125 for four-unit properties.
