Utah Homebuyer
Assistance Programs

Making homeownership happen
for everyday Utahns!

Mobile Hero Promotion

Utah Homebuyer
Assistance Programs

Making homeownership happen
for everyday Utahns!

Between the jargon, the paperwork, and the sticker shock, buying your first home can feel like a lot. But you don’t need a million-dollar income or six-figure savings to become a homeowner in Utah. You just need someone in your corner!

At Utah First, we work hand-in-hand with the organizations behind Utah home grants, down payment assistance, and affordable loan programs to help you catch every break you qualify for.

We’ll get you in the door (literally) to homeownership with fewer out-of-pocket costs and lower rates backed by expert, local help!

These Utah Programs Have Your Back

No matter where you live in Utah, these statewide programs pack a serious punch and bring your homeownership goals way closer to reality.

Utah First-Time Homebuyers Assistance Program

$20K loan. 0% interest. No payments.

As a first-time homebuyer in Utah, use it for your down payment, rate buydown, or closing costs on a new home under $450K. Pay it back only when you sell or refinance!

  • First-time buyers only
  • Utah resident (1+ year)
  • New builds under $450K
  • First-come, first-score!

Utah Down Payment Assistance Program

Can’t quite swing the upfront costs? This 30-year fixed second loan covers up to 6% of your mortgage for your down payment or closing costs.

  • Must pair with a Utah Housing FHA, VA, or Conventional loan
  • 1% higher rate than main mortgage
  • First-time or repeat buyers

Utah Housing Veterans Grant Program

$2,500 in cash is available for Utah veterans (or recently separated service members) buying their first home. No strings or repayment necessary. Thank you for your service!

    • Utah first-time homebuyer (out-of-state ownership is fine)
    • Must live in the home
    • Get verified by UDVMA
    • Funds are limited — apply early!

Utah Housing Law Enforcement Officer Grant Program

Up to $25,000 in forgivable, interest-free funds for Utah officers buying near where they serve. Use it for down payment, closing costs, or a rate buydown.

It’s Utah’s way of having your back while you protect ours!

  • Full-time law enforcement or corrections
  • First-time buyer (some exceptions)
  • Must live in the home
  • Keep serving in Utah for 5 years

Utah FirstHome Mortgage Loan Program

As one of the main first-time homebuyer programs in Utah, this program gets you lower rates and a forgivable second mortgage to help with down payment or closing costs.

  • First-time buyers
  • Primary residences in Utah
  • Meet income + purchase price limits
  • 620 to 700 credit score (loan type-dependent)
  • Property type must qualify

Local Programs That Know the Neighborhood

On top of statewide support, there are tons of local programs in cities and counties made to help first-time homebuyers in Utah get across the finish line. 

From grants for new homeowners to Utah first-time homebuyer programs with no down payment, here’s a quick look at what might be available near you:

  • BRAG Program (Box Elder, Cache, Rich Counties)
    Bear River Association of Governments
    Up to $3,000 in assistance after a free homebuyer course through USU.
  • Davis County
    Homeownership Assistance
    Grants up to $50,000 for first-time buyers who otherwise wouldn’t qualify.
  • Layton
    At Home in Layton
    Up to $10,000 in forgivable funds if you stay in the home for five years.
  • Logan
    Welcome Home: Own in Logan
    Up to $7,500 in down payment help if you’re buying within Logan city limits.
  • Ogden
    Own in Ogden
    Up to $20,000 in assistance based on your job. Teachers, firefighters, and police officers get extra perks.
  • Provo
    Loan to Own & Home Purchase Plus
    Up to $40,000 in forgivable, zero-interest loans for down payment and closing costs.
  • Salt Lake City & Murray
    NeighborWorks Down Payment Assistance
    Forgivable loans up to $85,000, depending on your city.
  • South Jordan
    Housing Down Payment Assistance
    7.5% of the purchase price (or up to $20,000), forgivable after 10 years.
  • Utah County & Salt Lake County
    CDCU Down Payment Assistance
    Forgivable loans to cover part of your down payment or closing costs in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, and Taylorsville.
  • West Jordan
    Down Payment Assistance Program
    Up to $7,500 for eligible buyers who contribute $2,500 of their own funds.
  • West Valley City
    Chenoa Fund
    Up to 3.5% or 5% of your loan amount to help with your down payment.

National Programs

The big guys offer help, too. These federal programs are available to Utahns and work great with our local and state first-time homebuyer programs for Utah.

Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Loans

Got a solid job but not-so-solid credit or savings? FHA loans are government-backed and designed for first-timers with lower credit scores and smaller down payments (as low as 3.5%). They’re friendly, flexible, and surprisingly doable!

HUD Good Neighbor Next Door Program

If you’re a teacher, EMT, firefighter, or police officer, this HUD program cuts the list price of eligible homes in half for qualifying areas to thank you for the work you do!

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Loans

As an eligible veteran, active-duty service member, or surviving spouse, a VA loan helps you get the home you want with benefits you’ve earned many times over, like zero down, competitive rates, and no PMI.

US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Loans

Live in a rural or eligible suburban area? USDA loans offer 100% financing with no down payment and low interest rates. 

Native American Veteran Direct Loans (NADLs)

This program offers low rates, no down payment, and no PMI for Native American veterans buying, building, or improving a home on federal trust land. It’s a powerful, direct path to homeownership with VA backing.

Freddie Mac Home Possible Mortgages

Great for low-to-moderate income buyers, especially those with limited savings. You’ll only need 3% down, and you can even use gift funds for the whole thing.

HomeReady Mortgages from Fannie Mae

These are a strong option for first-time buyers with steady income but not a ton in the bank. You only need 3% down. Flexible sources of income are accepted!

Fannie Mae Standard 97% LTV Loan

You bring 3%, and Fannie covers the rest. This is one of the lowest down payment options for conventional loans. It’s perfect for first-time buyers with good credit who want to skip FHA.

Start the Path to Homeownership Here!

You’re closer to owning a home than you think, and you don’t have to figure it out alone. We’ll help you understand your options, apply for the right Utah first-time homebuyer program, and make this whole “buying a house” thing way less overwhelming.

Let’s find the path that gets you home!

Let’s Talk Options

 

For official eligibility and current program funding information, head over to the Utah Housing Corporation’s site.