Utah Down Payment Assistance Programs: Complete 2026 Guide for First-Time Buyers

You've probably heard that you need 20% down to buy a home. For a $400,000 house, that's $80,000 — a daunting amount to save. But here's what many first-time buyers don't realize: you don't need anywhere near that much. In fact, you might not need a down payment at all.

Utah offers multiple down payment assistance (DPA) programs designed specifically to help buyers get into homes with minimal upfront cash. Let's break down what's available, who qualifies, and how to take advantage of these programs.

## Utah Housing Corporation Programs

The Utah Housing Corporation (UHC) offers two primary DPA programs for homebuyers:

**FirstHome Program.** Designed for first-time buyers, this program provides down payment assistance in the form of a second mortgage. You can use it for down payment and closing costs, and it typically carries a low interest rate. To qualify, you'll need to complete a homebuyer education course and meet income limits based on your county.

**HomeAgain Program.** This is for repeat buyers who haven't owned a home in the past three years — or for first-time buyers who don't qualify for FirstHome. It offers similar assistance with flexible requirements. If you're getting back into the market after renting for a while, this could be your path.

Both programs require you to use a UHC-approved lender, and the assistance comes as a second mortgage that you'll pay back over time — typically at a low interest rate.

## Local and Regional Programs

Beyond state programs, many Utah cities and counties offer their own assistance:

**Ogden Own.** The city of Ogden offers down payment assistance for buyers purchasing homes within city limits. The program targets moderate-income buyers and can provide several thousand dollars toward your down payment.

**Provo Down Payment Assistance.** Provo offers assistance for first-time buyers purchasing primary residences in the city. The program has income limits and requires homebuyer education.

**Davis County Programs.** Davis County periodically offers down payment assistance for qualified buyers. Availability depends on funding, so it's worth checking current status if you're looking in this area.

**CDCU Grant Program — Utah County.** The Community Development Corporation of Utah offers a $10,000 grant for qualified buyers in Utah County. Unlike loans, grants don't need to be repaid, making this particularly valuable.

**Eagle Mountain Mortgage Assistance.** Eagle Mountain has offered assistance programs for buyers in the past. Check with the city for current availability and requirements.

**Midvale Redevelopment Agency.** Midvale offers programs targeting specific neighborhoods and income levels. If you're looking in Midvale, this is worth exploring.

## Who Qualifies for DPA?

Each program has its own requirements, but common criteria include:

**Income limits.** Most programs cap your household income at 80-120% of the area median income. The exact limit varies by program and location.

**Credit score minimums.** You'll typically need a credit score of 620 or higher, though some programs accept lower scores with additional requirements.

**Homebuyer education.** Most programs require you to complete a certified homebuyer education course — usually 6-8 hours covering budgeting, the buying process, and homeownership responsibilities.

**Primary residence.** These programs are for homes you'll live in, not investment properties.

**First-time buyer status.** Some programs require you to be a first-time buyer (no homeownership in the past three years), while others are open to repeat buyers.

## How DPA Changes Your Buying Power

Here's a practical example: Let's say you want to buy a $350,000 home.

- With an FHA loan, you'd need 3.5% down = $12,250
- With a conventional loan, you might need 3-5% down = $10,500-$17,500

If you qualify for $10,000 in down payment assistance, your out-of-pocket cost drops dramatically. Combined with seller concessions to cover closing costs, you could potentially buy a home with just a few thousand dollars upfront — or even zero in some cases.

## The Broker Advantage

Navigating multiple DPA programs is complex. Each has different requirements, application processes, and timelines. As a mortgage broker, we work with multiple lenders and have experience with virtually every DPA program in Utah.

That means we can:
- Identify which programs you qualify for
- Compare options to find the best fit
- Handle the paperwork and coordination
- Ensure you meet all deadlines and requirements

Banks and credit unions typically only offer their own limited programs. Working with a broker gives you access to the full range of options.

## Getting Started

If you're considering buying a home in Utah, the first step is understanding what programs you qualify for. That starts with a conversation about your income, credit, and homebuying timeline.

Down payment assistance can be the difference between renting for another year and owning your own home. It's worth exploring.

---

*Program availability subject to funding. Income limits and eligibility vary by program. Equal Housing Lender.*