The 2026 Utah Housing Down Payment Assistance Guide.
Everything a Utah buyer needs to understand Utah Housing Corporation assistance, in one read. The DPA Second, the Traditional vs Deferred choice, who qualifies (first-time and repeat), and the grants worth asking about.
The short version
Utah down payment assistance runs through Utah Housing Corporation (UHC). You take a UHC first mortgage (FirstHome, FHA/VA, or Freddie Mac HFA Advantage) and add the DPA Second to cover your down payment and closing costs, up to 6% of your loan on the Traditional option or up to 3.5% on the Deferred option, each capped at $27,500. First-time buyers need a 660 score; repeat buyers need 620.
How the money works
The DPA Second is a real second mortgage you repay. The Traditional option is larger and charges 1% above your first-mortgage rate with a monthly payment. The Deferred option is smaller, has no monthly payment, and charges 3.5% deferred interest that you repay when you sell, refinance, or pay off the home. It is not forgiven. Full breakdown of both options →
Do you qualify?
You need a 660 credit score as a first-time buyer or 620 as a repeat buyer, household income under your county limit, a purchase price under your county's cap, and a homebuyer education course. Check the county limits →
Don't forget the grants
If you're a veteran or a law enforcement officer, UHC has separate grants, real money you don't repay, that layer on top. And if you're buying new construction as a first-time buyer, ask about Utah's SB240 assistance. We check all of these when we run your file.
One honest note. The DPA Second is repaid, so it's best for getting into a home without draining savings. If you already have your down payment, a loan without the second may cost less, and we'll tell you.