Utah Down Payment
Assistance Programs
You may not need as much cash as you think. Utah offers multiple down payment assistance programs that can cover your entire down payment and closing costs — leaving you with as little as $0 out of pocket.
Utah DPA Programs Compared
All programs available to Utah buyers in 2026. Programs can sometimes be stacked for maximum benefit.
Utah Housing Corporation (UHC) — FirstHome Loan
State ProgramFORGIVABLEUtah's flagship DPA program. Covers down payment AND closing costs. Available statewide including Davis County, Weber County, and Salt Lake County.
UHC Score Loan
State ProgramSecond mortgage at a low fixed rate. No income limit for some loan types. Pairs with FHA, VA, or conventional loans.
Davis County Down Payment Assistance
County ProgramFORGIVABLEDavis County-specific grant for buyers purchasing in Farmington, Kaysville, Layton, Bountiful, Clearfield, and other Davis County cities.
FHA Loan + DPA Combo
Federal + StateCombine an FHA loan (3.5% down) with a UHC DPA grant to achieve effectively $0 out-of-pocket. Most popular combo for first-time buyers in Utah.
VA Loan — $0 Down
Federal Military BenefitFORGIVABLEThe best deal in real estate. Active duty and veterans at Hill AFB qualify for $0 down, no PMI, and the lowest rates available. No DPA needed.
USDA Rural Development Loan
Federal ProgramFORGIVABLESeveral Utah communities qualify including parts of Weber County and rural Davis County. $0 down for eligible buyers in eligible areas.
How to Get Down Payment Assistance in Utah
The process is simpler than most buyers expect. Here's exactly how it works.
Most Utah DPA programs require: first-time buyer (or not owned in 3+ years), income under the limit, credit score 580+, and the home must be your primary residence.
Work with a lender experienced in Utah DPA programs. Pre-approval confirms your loan amount and identifies which programs you qualify for. I can connect you with trusted local lenders.
Most Utah DPA programs require a HUD-approved homebuyer education course (typically 6–8 hours online, ~$75). This is a one-time requirement.
Work with a realtor (like me) who understands DPA timelines and can negotiate effectively while keeping your closing on track with program requirements.
Your lender coordinates the DPA application. The grant or second mortgage is applied at closing — you don't receive cash, it's applied directly to your down payment and/or closing costs.
With DPA covering your down payment and potentially closing costs, your out-of-pocket at closing can be as low as $0–$2,000 depending on the program and loan type.
Who Qualifies for Utah DPA?
First-Time Buyers
Defined as not having owned a primary residence in the past 3 years. Most Utah DPA programs require this, but some do not.
Military & Veterans
VA loans offer $0 down with no DPA needed. But veterans can also stack DPA programs to cover closing costs on top of their VA benefit.
Moderate Income Buyers
Most programs target households earning 80–120% of Area Median Income. In Davis County, that's roughly $80K–$140K depending on family size.
Buyers with 580+ Credit
Most programs require a minimum 620 credit score. Some FHA-paired programs accept 580. I can connect you with lenders who specialize in credit improvement.
Primary Residence Buyers
All Utah DPA programs require the home to be your primary residence. Investment properties and vacation homes do not qualify.
Buyers Who Complete Education
A HUD-approved homebuyer education course (6–8 hours, ~$75 online) is required by most programs. It's a one-time requirement.
Dr. David R. Haws
I've helped hundreds of Utah buyers navigate DPA programs and close with minimal out-of-pocket costs. Let me show you what you qualify for — free, no obligation.
Related Utah Home Buying Resources
Utah Down Payment Assistance FAQ
Common questions from Utah buyers exploring DPA options.