Utah Down Payment Assistance Programs, First-Time Homebuyer Help and Closing Cost Assistance

Utah homebuyers receiving keys while exploring down payment assistance programs

Buying a home in Utah can be difficult when you can afford the monthly mortgage payment but do not have enough money saved for the down payment, closing costs or other upfront home-buying expenses.

Qualified buyers may be able to use down payment assistance in Utah to reduce some of the cash required to purchase a home.

Depending on the program, assistance may be available to:

  • First-time homebuyers
  • Repeat homebuyers
  • FHA borrowers
  • VA borrowers
  • Conventional borrowers
  • Veterans
  • Law-enforcement or correctional officers
  • Low- to moderate-income buyers
  • Buyers purchasing in specific Utah cities or counties
  • Buyers purchasing qualifying new construction

Daniel Paris with UtahLowRate.com helps Utah buyers compare mortgage financing with available Utah down payment assistance programs.

Call Daniel Paris at 801-604-4949 to discuss your Utah mortgage and down payment assistance options.

Program funding, interest rates, income limits, purchase-price limits, assistance amounts and eligibility requirements can change. Always verify current program availability before relying on DPA funds for a purchase.

Quick Answer: Is Down Payment Assistance Available in Utah?

Yes. Utah offers statewide, county and city down payment assistance programs. Qualified buyers may receive assistance through Utah Housing Corporation, local governments, nonprofit housing organizations and other approved programs. Assistance may be structured as a second mortgage, deferred-payment loan, forgivable loan or grant.

Utah Housing alone currently offers both traditional and deferred down payment assistance options, while cities and counties such as Salt Lake City, Murray, South Jordan, Ogden, Provo, Davis County and Utah County have additional programs for eligible buyers.

Utah down payment assistance programs for first-time and repeat homebuyers

Utah Down Payment Assistance Programs: 2026 Directory

The following are some of the primary statewide and local Utah homebuyer assistance programs currently available or maintained by their administering agencies.

Program funding can open, close or become temporarily unavailable during the year.

Find All Current Utah DPA Programs

For the broadest statewide search, buyers can also use:

Freddie Mac DPA One — Utah Down Payment Assistance Directory

Freddie Mac currently identifies multiple statewide and local Utah assistance programs and continues adding participating programs to its provider network.

Utah down payment assistance programs for first-time and repeat homebuyers

Statewide Utah Down Payment Assistance Programs

1. Utah Housing Traditional Down Payment Assistance

Available statewide for eligible Utah Housing borrowers.

Utah Housing Corporation offers a Traditional DPA Second Mortgage that can be combined with an eligible Utah Housing first mortgage.

Current Utah Housing guidelines allow assistance of up to 6% of the first mortgage amount, not to exceed $27,500.

The Traditional DPA is:

  • A second mortgage
  • 30-year fixed rate
  • Fully amortizing
  • Closed with an eligible Utah Housing first mortgage
  • Available to help cover eligible down payment and closing costs

The DPA second-mortgage interest rate is generally set above the Utah Housing first-mortgage rate, subject to current Utah Housing requirements.

Utah Housing Traditional DPA Program Information

2. Utah Housing Deferred Down Payment Assistance

Utah Housing also offers a Deferred DPA Second Mortgage.

Current program guidelines allow assistance of up to 3.5% of the first mortgage amount, not to exceed $27,500.

The Deferred DPA currently features:

  • 30-year fixed-rate second mortgage
  • 3.5% deferred simple interest
  • No monthly DPA payment
  • Principal and deferred interest generally due upon maturity, sale or refinance
  • Must be paired with an eligible Utah Housing first mortgage

Utah Housing Deferred DPA Program

Utah Housing First Mortgage Programs That Can Work With DPA

Utah Housing's down payment assistance can be paired with eligible Utah Housing first-mortgage programs.

Depending on the borrower's qualifications, these can include FHA, VA and conventional financing.

Current Utah Housing mortgage options include programs such as:

Utah Housing FHA/VA Mortgage

This statewide mortgage program may be available to qualified Utah homebuyers using FHA or VA financing.

Current Utah Housing guidelines show a 620 minimum FICO for the FHA/VA mortgage program, subject to all additional FHA, VA and Utah Housing requirements.

Utah Housing FHA/VA Program Matrix

Utah Housing HFA Advantage

Utah Housing also offers a conventional financing option through its HFA Advantage program.

This can provide an alternative for borrowers who prefer conventional financing rather than FHA financing.

Utah Housing Down Payment Assistance Information

3. Utah First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program — Up to $20,000

First-time Utah homebuyers purchasing an eligible new construction home

 

Utah's separate First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program was created specifically to help qualifying buyers purchase eligible newly constructed homes.

Qualified borrowers may receive up to $20,000.

Funds may potentially be used toward:

  • Down payment
  • Closing costs
  • Permanent interest-rate buydown
  • A combination of permitted costs

The assistance is currently structured as a:

  • 0% interest loan
  • No-monthly-payment loan
  • Subordinate lien
  • Repayable under specified future circumstances

The home generally must:

  • Be located in Utah
  • Be newly constructed
  • Not have previously been occupied
  • Be owner-occupied
  • Be financed with a qualifying Utah Housing mortgage
  • Have a purchase price not exceeding $450,000

Utah First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program Matrix

4. Utah Veteran First-Time Homebuyer Grant

Utah Housing administers a separate Utah Veteran First-Time Homebuyer Grant for qualifying veterans.

Eligible veterans may receive up to $2,500.

Unlike many DPA programs, this assistance is a grant and does not require repayment.

Current program requirements generally include:

  • Qualified veteran status
  • Home located in Utah
  • Owner occupancy
  • First-time Utah homebuyer requirements
  • Veteran certification through the Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs
  • Available grant funding

Utah Veteran Homebuyer Grant Information

5. Utah Law Enforcement and Correctional Officer Assistance

Utah Housing has also offered homebuyer assistance specifically for qualifying law enforcement and correctional officers.

Utah Housing previously described assistance of up to the lesser of 3.5% of the mortgage amount or $25,000, subject to current program funding and eligibility.

Because grant appropriations and program availability can change, buyers should confirm current funding directly through Utah Housing.

Utah Housing Corporation

Salt Lake County Down Payment Assistance Programs

Utah buyers purchasing in Salt Lake County may have access to statewide Utah Housing programs plus additional local programs.

6. Community Development Corporation of Utah — CDCU Down Payment Assistance

The Community Development Corporation of Utah, commonly called CDCU, administers down payment assistance from multiple federal, state and local funding sources.

CDCU generally serves qualifying first-time homebuyers and offers assistance structured as deferred loans under applicable programs.

CDCU notes that funding is limited and may vary depending on:

  • Property location
  • Household income
  • Funding source
  • Program year
  • Availability of funds

CDCU Down Payment Assistance Programs

7. NeighborWorks Salt Lake Down Payment Assistance

NeighborWorks Salt Lake provides several down payment assistance products for qualifying low- to moderate-income buyers.

Programs may assist with:

  • Down payment
  • Closing costs
  • Home purchase assistance

Funding availability changes throughout the year.

NeighborWorks Salt Lake Down Payment Assistance

8. Murray City Down Payment Assistance

Murray City partners with housing organizations including NeighborWorks Salt Lake to provide first-time homebuyer down payment assistance and other housing programs.

Programs may be subject to:

  • Income limits
  • Property location requirements
  • First-time buyer requirements
  • Available annual funding

Murray City also maintains a separate employee down payment assistance benefit for qualifying city employees.

Murray City Housing Resources and DPA Programs

9. South Jordan Down Payment Assistance Program

South Jordan City's Redevelopment Agency operates a local down payment assistance program.

Current published guidelines provide assistance of up to the lesser of:

  • 7.5% of the purchase price, or
  • $20,000

The home must be located in South Jordan.

Current program guidelines generally require household income at or below the applicable income-targeted housing level and owner occupancy.

The assistance agreement generally lasts 10 years, with repayment requirements depending on when the home is sold or rented.

South Jordan Down Payment Assistance Program

10. West Jordan Down Payment Assistance

West Jordan has funded a local Down Payment Assistance Program using Community Development Block Grant resources.

Because annual funding levels can change, buyers should confirm current availability directly with West Jordan before relying on the program.

West Jordan City Housing and Community Development Information

11. West Jordan Police Employee Down Payment Assistance

The West Jordan Police Department also offers specialized employee homebuyer assistance.

Current recruiting information states that qualifying police-department employees may have access to two down-payment assistance programs totaling up to $45,000 in forgivable loan funds when relocating to West Jordan, subject to restrictions.

West Jordan Police Down Payment Assistance Benefit

12. West Valley City Down Payment Assistance

West Valley City maintains a Down Payment Assistance Program for first-time homebuyers through its community grant programs.

Funding changes regularly and programs operate on a first-come, first-served basis. West Valley City recommends contacting its Community Grants Office to confirm availability.

West Valley City Grant Programs

Utah County Down Payment Assistance Programs

13. Provo Home Purchase Plus

Provo City administers the Home Purchase Plus Program for qualifying buyers purchasing within Provo.

The program provides a 0% interest, deferred-payment loan to eligible low- to moderate-income first-time homebuyers.

Property and income restrictions apply.

Provo Home Purchase Plus Down Payment Assistance

14. Utah County Loan to Own Program

Provo City also administers Loan to Own on behalf of the Utah Valley HOME Consortium.

Qualified first-time homebuyers may receive up to $40,000 toward an eligible purchase.

Current guidelines provide:

  • 0% interest
  • Deferred payments
  • Second-position mortgage
  • Potential partial forgiveness after required affordability period
  • Household income generally at or below 80% AMI

Loan to Own applies to qualifying homes in much of Utah County, subject to listed jurisdiction exclusions.

Utah County Loan to Own Program

Davis County Down Payment Assistance Programs

15. Davis County Homeownership Assistance Program

Davis County offers one of the larger local homeownership assistance programs in Utah.

Income-qualified homebuyers may qualify for an assistance loan of up to $50,000.

Funds can potentially be used for:

  • Principal reduction
  • Permanent interest-rate buydown
  • Up to 50% of required down payment and closing costs

The loan currently carries 1% interest with no monthly payments and generally becomes due when the home is sold or refinanced in a manner not permitted by the program.

Importantly, the borrower does not have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify.

Davis County also confirms that its assistance may be combined with Utah's state assistance program when permitted.

Davis County Homeownership Assistance Program

16. Clearfield City Down Payment Assistance

Clearfield City maintains a Down Payment Assistance Program for qualifying moderate-income buyers.

The program has historically been administered in conjunction with Davis Community Housing Authority.

Applicants generally need:

  • A qualifying home purchase
  • Income documentation
  • First-time homebuyer certification
  • Mortgage preapproval
  • Homebuyer education
  • Compliance with Clearfield program guidelines

Clearfield City Housing and CDBG Programs

Weber County and Ogden Down Payment Assistance

17. Own in Ogden

The Own in Ogden program provides down payment and closing-cost assistance to qualifying buyers purchasing an owner-occupied home in Ogden.

For closings beginning July 1, 2026, current program amounts are:

  • $10,000 for qualifying homebuyers
  • $15,000 for qualifying teachers, school administrators and certain Ogden City employees
  • $20,000 for qualifying Ogden police officers and firefighters

The assistance is structured as a:

  • 0% interest loan
  • Deferred-payment loan
  • Primary-residence program

Repayment is generally required when the property is sold, refinanced or ceases to be the borrower's primary residence.

Funding is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Own in Ogden Down Payment Assistance Program

Northern Utah Down Payment Assistance

18. Bear River Association of Governments First-Time Homebuyer Program

The Bear River Association of Governments — BRAG has offered first-time homebuyer assistance for eligible buyers in:

  • Box Elder County
  • Cache County
  • Rich County

The program provides up to $3,000 toward eligible down payment or closing costs as a zero-interest deferred loan.

However, BRAG announced in June 2026 that the program is currently out of funding and not accepting applications until further notice.

It is still worth keeping the program on this page because funding may reopen.

BRAG First-Time Homebuyer Program Status

Other Utah Homebuyer Assistance Programs

Additional local assistance may periodically be available in communities such as:

  • Layton
  • Midvale
  • Clearfield
  • Eagle Mountain
  • Logan
  • Tooele County
  • Salt Lake City
  • Salt Lake County
  • Utah County
  • Davis County
  • Weber County
  • Box Elder County
  • Cache County
  • Rich County

Because municipal DPA funding is frequently dependent on annual HUD CDBG or HOME allocations, programs may open, close or change without much notice.

For a statewide current search:

Search Utah Programs Through Freddie Mac DPA One

What Is Down Payment Assistance?

Down payment assistance, commonly called DPA, is financial assistance designed to help eligible homebuyers pay some of the upfront cost of purchasing a home.

Assistance can be structured several different ways.

Second Mortgage

A separate loan is recorded behind the first mortgage.

Deferred-Payment Loan

No monthly payments may be required, but repayment becomes due after a specified event.

Forgivable Loan

Some or all of the balance may be forgiven if the buyer remains in the property for the required period.

Grant

Some programs provide funds that do not have to be repaid if all requirements are satisfied.

Closing Cost Assistance

Certain DPA funds can also be used for eligible closing costs.

Is Utah Down Payment Assistance Free Money?

Not always.

This is one of the most important things to understand about Utah DPA.

Many programs are loans rather than grants.

Depending on the program, repayment may occur:

  • Monthly
  • When you sell the home
  • When you refinance
  • When the home is no longer your primary residence
  • At maturity
  • If you violate occupancy requirements

Always understand the repayment requirements before choosing a DPA program.

Can You Use Utah Down Payment Assistance With FHA?

Yes, certain DPA programs can be paired with FHA financing.

Utah Housing specifically offers DPA in connection with qualifying FHA mortgages.

FHA loans are frequently used by first-time homebuyers because of their relatively low down payment and flexible underwriting requirements.

Can You Use Down Payment Assistance with a VA Loan?

Potentially.

Utah Housing provides qualifying VA financing and allows eligible Utah Housing DPA to be combined with certain VA transactions.

However, qualified VA borrowers may already be eligible for 100% financing, which can eliminate the traditional down payment requirement.

The DPA may instead be valuable for eligible closing costs or other permitted expenses.

Can Conventional Loans Use Down Payment Assistance?

Yes.

Certain conventional loan programs can be combined with approved assistance.

Utah Housing's HFA Advantage program is one example of a conventional mortgage structure that may be paired with Utah Housing assistance.

Do You Have to Be a First-Time Homebuyer?

No.

Not every Utah down payment assistance program requires first-time homebuyer status.

For example:

  • Utah's $20,000 new-construction program does have first-time buyer requirements.
  • Davis County's assistance program does not require first-time buyer status.
  • Some Utah Housing programs allow repeat buyers.
  • Local programs may impose their own requirements.

This is why it is important to compare multiple programs.

Can You Combine Two Down Payment Assistance Programs?

Sometimes.

Certain assistance programs permit stacking, while others prohibit it.

For example, Davis County states that its program can potentially be combined with the State of Utah assistance program, which could provide substantial combined assistance for an eligible buyer.

Utah's First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program also permits combination with a Utah Housing DPA second mortgage under applicable program rules.

Whether assistance can be combined depends on:

  • First mortgage rules
  • DPA provider requirements
  • Lien position
  • Combined loan-to-value limits
  • Program income limits
  • Property eligibility
  • Source of funds
  • Underwriting approval

Utah homebuyers comparing city and county down payment assistance programs

Utah Down Payment Assistance by Location

Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County

Potential programs include:

  • Utah Housing DPA
  • Utah First-Time Homebuyer Assistance
  • CDCU
  • NeighborWorks Salt Lake
  • Local city programs
  • Eligible employer or public-service programs

Murray

Potential assistance includes Utah Housing programs plus locally sponsored assistance administered through housing partners.

South Jordan

Qualified borrowers may have access to the South Jordan Redevelopment Agency DPA program.

West Jordan

Local CDBG-funded homebuyer assistance may periodically be available.

West Valley City

First-time buyer assistance may be offered through West Valley City's community grant programs.

Provo

Qualified buyers may use the Home Purchase Plus program.

Utah County

Eligible first-time buyers may qualify for the Loan to Own program.

Davis County

Income-qualified buyers may receive up to $50,000 through the Davis County Homeownership Assistance Program.

Clearfield

Clearfield maintains a local first-time homebuyer assistance program.

Ogden

Eligible buyers may qualify for Own in Ogden.

Box Elder, Cache and Rich Counties

BRAG provides a regional first-time buyer program when funding is available.

How to Apply for Down Payment Assistance in Utah

Step 1: Get Mortgage Pre-Qualified

Before applying for DPA, determine which first mortgage programs you qualify for.

Step 2: Identify Your Property Location

Many Utah programs are geographically restricted.

Your exact city and county can determine which programs are available.

Step 3: Check Your Income

Most city and county programs have household income limits.

Step 4: Determine First-Time Buyer Status

Some programs require that you have not owned a principal residence during the prior three years.

Others allow repeat buyers.

Step 5: Compare DPA With Regular Financing

Assistance does not automatically create the lowest-cost mortgage.

Compare:

  • Interest rate
  • APR
  • Mortgage insurance
  • First mortgage payment
  • DPA second mortgage
  • Required monthly payment
  • Deferred interest
  • Repayment requirements
  • Closing costs
  • Total cash required

Step 6: Apply With the Program Administrator

Some programs are processed by the lender.

Others require a separate application to the city, county or nonprofit agency.

Step 7: Confirm Funds Before Closing

Never assume DPA funds are guaranteed until the reservation or assistance approval has been issued.

Utah Down Payment Assistance FAQ

How much down payment assistance can I get in Utah?

The amount depends on the program. Current programs range from relatively small grants to local assistance loans of $20,000, $40,000, $50,000 or more, depending on location, income and program requirements.

Does Utah have a $20,000 first-time homebuyer program?

Yes. Qualified first-time buyers purchasing eligible newly constructed homes may receive up to $20,000 through Utah's First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program.

Is the Utah $20,000 program a grant?

No. It is currently structured as a 0% interest loan with no monthly payment.

Can I get more than $20,000 in Utah DPA?

Potentially. Programs such as Davis County and Utah County's Loan to Own may provide larger amounts to eligible borrowers.

Can I receive $50,000 in Utah homebuyer assistance?

Potentially. Davis County currently offers eligible buyers assistance of up to $50,000.

Can a repeat buyer get DPA in Utah?

Yes. Some programs, including Davis County and certain Utah Housing mortgage programs, do not require first-time buyer status.

Can I use DPA to pay closing costs?

Many programs allow some or all of the assistance to cover eligible closing costs.

Can I use DPA to buy a new construction home?

Yes. Utah's statewide $20,000 First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program specifically targets qualifying newly constructed homes.

What cities in Utah offer homebuyer assistance?

Current or periodically funded programs exist in communities and counties including Salt Lake City, Murray, South Jordan, West Jordan, West Valley City, Provo, Ogden, Clearfield, Davis County, Utah County and other Utah jurisdictions.

Where can I search for all Utah down payment assistance programs?

Freddie Mac maintains a statewide program directory:

Search Utah Down Payment Assistance With Freddie Mac DPA One

Talk With Daniel Paris About Utah Down Payment Assistance

Choosing a down payment assistance program involves more than finding the program offering the largest amount of money.

The better approach is to determine:

  • What mortgage you qualify for
  • How much home you can afford
  • How much cash you need
  • Which DPA programs serve your city or county
  • Whether you meet income requirements
  • Whether you qualify as a first-time buyer
  • Whether programs can be combined
  • What happens when you sell or refinance
  • What your total mortgage payment will be

Daniel Paris with UtahLowRate.com has more than 27 years of mortgage lending experience helping Utah borrowers evaluate financing options.

Mortgage programs may include:

  • Utah Housing loans
  • Down payment assistance
  • Conventional mortgages
  • FHA loans
  • VA loans
  • First-time homebuyer loans
  • Jumbo mortgages
  • Bank statement mortgages
  • 1099 mortgage programs
  • Non-QM financing

Looking for Down Payment Assistance in Utah?

Call Daniel Paris at 801-604-4949

UtahLowRate.com

Ask for a review of the Utah down payment assistance programs available for your specific city, county, mortgage and financial profile.

Mortgage and DPA programs are subject to borrower eligibility, underwriting approval, property eligibility, funding availability and current program guidelines. Assistance amounts, income limits, purchase-price limits, interest rates and program terms may change. This page is educational and does not constitute a commitment to lend or guarantee of assistance.

Last Updated: September 2026