Utah First-Time Home Buyer Programs

Utah first time home buyers are blessed with many opportunities that include a variety of state, local, and federal programs to make homeownership more accessible through UT down payment assistance, house buying grants, and low-interest mortgages. The RefiGuide published this guide to reveal the top 2025 Utah first-time home buyer programs, provides reference links for state and local initiatives.

Utah’s housing market, with a median home price of $566,400 in January 2025, poses significant challenges for first-time home buyers, particularly in high-demand areas like Salt Lake City, Ogden, and Provo. The median down payment was $42,600 in December 2024, a daunting barrier for many.

Statewide First-Time Home Buyer Programs

The Utah Housing Corporation (UHC) is the primary provider of first-time home buyer programs, offering 30-year fixed-rate home loans paired with DPA and grants.

Most Utah mortgage lenders will require a minimum credit score of 620 (660 for FirstHome, 700 for HFA Advantage), a debt-to-income (DTI) ratio of 45–50%, completion of a HUD-approved homebuyer education course, and a minimum borrower contribution of $500–$1,000.

The income and purchase price limits vary by county and household size, with a maximum loan amount of $806,500.

1. UHC FirstHome Loan

The FirstHome Loan offers the lowest interest rates among UHC programs for first-time buyers, supporting FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional loans. It requires a 660 credit score for conventional loans and pairs with DPA to cover down payments (3.5% for FHA, 3% for conventional). Income limits range from $80,000–$126,200, and purchase price limits are $349,525–$537,700 by county.

2. UHC Down Payment Assistance (DPA) Second Mortgage

The UHC DPA provides a second mortgage of 4–6% of the first mortgage amount (up to $25,000) to cover down payment and closing costs. The 30-year fixed-rate loan has an interest rate 1% higher than the first mortgage and requires a 620 credit score. It must pair with a UHC first mortgage (FirstHome, HomeAgain, or Score). Learn more at UHC DPA.

3. UHC First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program (New Construction)

Established by Senate Bill 240 in 2023, this program offers up to $20,000 as a 0% interest, deferred loan for first-time buyers purchasing newly constructed, never-occupied homes (up to $450,000). Repayment is due upon sale or refinance, with a maximum of 50% of the home’s equity or $20,000, whichever is less. Buyers must be Utah residents for 12 months and meet UHC income limits. Funds are limited to 2,500 applicants. Details at UHC First-Time Homebuyer Assistance.

4. UHC Law Enforcement Officer Grant

This program provides up to 3.5% of the purchase price (max $25,000) as a forgivable grant for first-time buyers who are law enforcement or correctional officers. The grant is forgiven over five years and requires a 620 credit score and a UHC first mortgage. See UHC Law Enforcement Grant.

5. UHC Veterans First-Time Homebuyer Grant

Eligible veterans (discharged within five years) or active-duty military receive a $2,500 non-repayable grant for any home purchase, not requiring a UHC mortgage. First-time buyer status (no homeownership in Utah in the past seven years) and income limits apply. Funds are limited. Details at UHC Veterans Grant.

6. UHC Score Loan

The Score Loan targets buyers with fair credit (minimum 620), offering FHA, VA, or USDA loans with flexible underwriting. It pairs with the UHC DPA (4–6%) and requires homebuyer education. Income and purchase price limits align with FirstHome. Learn more at UHC Score Loan.

7. UHC HomeAgain Loan

The HomeAgain Loan supports first-time and repeat buyers, offering FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional loans with a 620 credit score (700 for HFA Advantage). It pairs with the UHC DPA and supports multi-unit properties if owner-occupied. Details at UHC HomeAgain.

Local Utah First-Time Home Buyer Incentives

1. Own in Ogden Program

Ogden offers a 0% interest, deferred second mortgage for down payment, closing costs, or principal reduction: $10,000 for Ogden first-time buyers, $15,000 for state-certified K-12 teachers/administrators or Ogden employees, and $20,000 for police/firefighters. Income limits (80% AMI) and a $500 borrower contribution apply. The home must be in Ogden. See Own in Ogden.

2. Provo Home Purchase Plus and Loan to Own Programs

Provo’s Home Purchase Plus offers up to $40,000 as a 0% interest, deferred loan for first-time buyers in Provo, covering down payment and closing costs. The Provo Home Purchase Plus Loan to Own program extends to Utah County (except Eagle Mountain, Fairfield, Highland, Alpine) with the same terms, for incomes at or below 80% AMI. A $1,000 contribution and homebuyer education are required.

3. West Valley City Down Payment Assistance Grant

West Valley City provides a $14,999 non-repayable grant for low- to moderate-income first-time buyers (80% AMI or less) purchasing within city limits. A $1,000 contribution and homebuyer education are required. Contact West Valley City Housing.

4. West Jordan Down Payment Assistance Program

West Jordan offers up to $7,500 as a forgivable loan (forgiven after five years) for half the down payment and closing costs. Income limits and a five-year occupancy requirement apply. See West Jordan DPA.

5. Clearfield City Down Payment Assistance (CCDP)

Clearfield provides up to $7,500 as a 1:1 matching grant for first-time buyers, requiring a $1,000 contribution and income eligibility. The grant is forgiven after five years. Contact Clearfield City DPA.

6. Davis County Down Payment Assistance

Davis County offers $5,000 as a 0% interest, deferred loan for first-time buyers, with no monthly payments, repaid upon sale or refinance. Income limits and homebuyer education apply. Details at Davis County Housing.

7. Community Development Corporation of Utah (CDCU) Down Payment Assistance

CDCU provides DPA loans for first-time buyers (HUD definition) to cover down payment and closing costs, requiring a $1,000 contribution and income eligibility (80% AMI). The process takes 25–30 days. Learn more at CDCU DPA.

Case Study 1: The Nguyen Family in West Valley City

The Nguyens, a family of four earning $70,000 annually, aimed to buy a $400,000 new-construction home in West Valley City. As first-time buyers, they qualified for the UHC First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program, receiving a $20,000 deferred loan at 0% interest for their down payment. They paired this with the West Valley City DPA Grant ($14,999, non-repayable) and a UHC FirstHome Loan (FHA, 3.5% down, $14,000). The Chenoa Fund provided a $6,000 grant, covering closing costs. After contributing $1,000 and completing a HUD-approved course via Utah State University, they closed in March 2025. The combined $40,999 in assistance covered their $14,000 down payment and $5,000 in closing costs, leaving them with manageable payments and no immediate repayment obligations.

Case Study 2: Maria Lopez in Ogden

Maria, a single parent and teacher earning $55,000, wanted a $350,000 home in Ogden. She qualified for the Own in Ogden program, receiving a $15,000 deferred loan as a state-certified teacher. She used a UHC Score Loan (FHA, 620 credit score) with a $12,250 down payment (3.5%) and secured a $14,000 UHC DPA Second Mortgage (4% of the first mortgage) to cover the down payment and $1,750 in closing costs. The New American Funding Pathway added $6,000, fully covering closing costs. After contributing $500 and completing an online homebuyer education course, Maria closed in April 2025. The deferred loans and grant minimized her upfront costs, allowing her to focus on building equity while teaching in Ogden.

Utah First-Time Home Buyers Tips

1. Get Pre-Approved: Work with a Utah approved lender to clarify your budget and strengthen offers. Find lenders at UHC Lenders.

2. Combine Programs: Pair UHC’s DPA with local UT home buyer grants (e.g., West Valley, Ogden) or Chenoa Fund for maximum assistance, ensuring compatibility.

3. Complete Education Courses: HUD-approved courses (e.g., Utah State University’s online course) are required and provide budgeting insights. See HUD Housing Counseling.

4. Check Targeted Areas: Some programs waive first-time buyer requirements in designated areas. Check UHC Targeted Areas.

5. Monitor Credit and DTI: Aim for a 620+ credit score and DTI below 45–50%. Use LendingTree Spring for credit monitoring.

Utah’s housing prices rose 4.2% in 2024, with Salt Lake County’s median at $561,465. The UHC First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program is limited to 2,500 applicants and new-construction homes under $450,000, which may not align with “affordable” in high-cost areas.

Many Utah DPA loans require repayment upon sale or refinance, and grants like West Valley’s are income-restricted. USDA loans are limited to rural areas, and VA loans require military eligibility. Funding for local programs can deplete quickly, so buyers should act promptly and verify availability with UT lenders.

Takeaways on Utah Down Payment Assistance for First Time Home Buyers

The 2025 Utah first-time home buyer programs, led by UHC’s FirstHome, DPA, and targeted grants for veterans and law enforcement, alongside local initiatives in Ogden, Provo, and West Valley City, provide critical support for navigating high upfront costs. By combining these with federal options like FHA, VA, or HomeReady loans, buyers can minimize out-of-pocket expenses. Work with approved Utah mortgager lenders, complete required education, and monitor funding availability to secure a home in Utah’s competitive market.

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