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Homeownership Opportunities

The Housing Department administers programs to promote and increase homeownership opportunities for Phoenix families. On this page learn about the Section 32 Homeownership Program, the Open Doors Down Payment Assistance (DPA) Program and the Section 18 Program.

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Fanily standing in front of their new home
The Section 32 and Open Doors programs are designed to assist eligible first-time homebuyers with the purchase of an affordable home. The Section 18 Program offers properties for sale to the public without income or first-time homebuyer requirements.

Open Doors Down Payment Assistance Program

The Open Doors Down Payment Assistance (DPA) Program provides down payment and closing costs assistance. Homebuyers can earn at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI), must purchase a home in the city of Phoenix and the purchase price cannot exceed $447,000. Eligible homebuyers must complete both an eight-hour pre-purchase homebuyer education course and housing counseling (one-on-one) from a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) approved housing counseling agency and certified housing counselor. Reference additional program details below:

  • Funds are provided as a deferred payment loan.
  • Interest rate of 0% with no monthly principal payments.
  • Maximum assistance of up to 10% of the home purchase price.
  • Repayment is due on sale, change in residency, or refinancing within the period of affordability.
  • Period of affordability can be up to 15 years depending on the amount of the loan.
  • Loan is fully forgiven after the period of affordability.

Loan can be layered with other homeownership assistance programs (except the Section 32 Homeownership Program).

Section 32 Homeownership Program

Section 32 Homeownership is offered to first-time homebuyers who are at or below 80% Area Median Income (AMI), and who will use the home as their primary residence. The purchase price will be the current appraised value of the home. Eligible properties must pass a Housing Quality Standards (HQS) Inspection. Homeownership counseling, homebuyer education course, and financial fitness (if needed) are also required. Some program benefits may include:

  • 20% discount off home appraisal value
  • Guidance through the homeownership process
  • Possible assistance with down payment and closing costs
  • One-year home warranty

If you are interested in the program, please note that using a licensed real estate agent is recommended. Agents can view properties we have listed via the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and can obtain the Section 32 application from each property listing.

Section 18  Program

Section 18 properties are being offered to the public for sale. There is no income limit to qualify, and the properties are sold "as-is". Please note these homes may require repairs.

Get started on your path to homeownership!

If you are interested in purchasing a Section 32 or Section 18 single-family home, you can start by exploring public real estate websites that list available properties. For a more comprehensive review of homes, consider working with a licensed real estate agent who has access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), a valuable resource for finding homes.

Community Land Trust (CLT) Program

Visit Newtown Community Development Corporation to:

  • Learn about eligibility requirements for the Community Land Trust (CLT) Program
  • View available CLT properties
  • Submit an application