Utah Housing (UHC): up to $27,500 in down payment help, for first-time and repeat buyers.
Utah's down payment assistance runs through Utah Housing Corporation. Take a UHC first mortgage and you can add a 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. Unlike a lot of state programs, UHC helps both first-time and repeat buyers. One thing to know: this is a loan you repay, not a grant.
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The two UHC DPA options
Utah Housing gives you a choice between a larger amount with a monthly payment, or a smaller amount with no payment until you leave the home. Both are second mortgages paired with a UHC first mortgage.
| Traditional DPA | Deferred DPA | |
|---|---|---|
| Amount | Up to 6% of first-mortgage amount, max $27,500 | Up to 3.5% of first-mortgage amount, max $27,500 |
| Interest | 1% above your first-mortgage rate (max 8%, never below the first rate) | 3.5% deferred interest |
| Monthly payment | Yes, amortized over 30 years | None |
| When it's due | Paid down monthly over the term | Principal + deferred interest when you sell, refinance, or pay off |
| Best for | Buyers who need the larger amount and can carry a second payment | Buyers who want no second payment now |
The honest part. Because the UHC DPA is a repayable loan, it's a way to get into a home now without draining savings, not free money. The Traditional option carries a real monthly payment; the Deferred option adds no payment but accrues interest you repay later. We'll run both against your numbers and tell you which is cheaper for how long you plan to stay.
UHC first-mortgage programs
The DPA Second attaches to one of Utah Housing's three first-mortgage programs. Which one fits depends on your loan type and whether you've owned before.
| Program | Loan type | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| FirstHome | FHA or VA, 30-yr fixed | First-time buyers (660 score) |
| FHA/VA Mortgage | FHA or VA | Repeat buyers OK (620 score) |
| Freddie Mac HFA Advantage | Conventional | Buyers who want a conventional path |
All three pair with the DPA Second. Homebuyer education is required, and UHC loans may be subject to a federal recapture tax in some cases. See the full eligibility rules and county limits →
Utah Housing questions
How much down payment assistance can I get in Utah?
Utah Housing Corporation (UHC) offers a DPA Second mortgage up to 6% of your first-mortgage amount on the Traditional option, or up to 3.5% on the Deferred option, each capped at $27,500. It covers your down payment and closing costs and is paired with a UHC first mortgage.
Is Utah Housing down payment assistance a grant or a loan?
It is a loan, a repayable 30-year second mortgage, not a grant. The Traditional option carries an interest rate 1% above your first-mortgage rate (never below the first rate, capped at 8%) with a monthly payment. The Deferred option carries 3.5% deferred interest with no monthly payment, repaid when you sell, refinance, or pay off the loan. UHC also has separate grants for veterans and law enforcement.
What's the difference between the Traditional and Deferred DPA?
The Traditional DPA is larger, up to 6% of the first-mortgage amount (max $27,500), but you make a monthly payment at 1% above your first-mortgage rate. The Deferred DPA is up to 3.5% (max $27,500) with no monthly payment; it charges 3.5% deferred interest and is repaid when you sell, refinance, or pay off the home. We model both against your numbers.
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to use Utah Housing?
No. UHC serves both first-time buyers and repeat buyers. First-time buyers need a 660 minimum credit score; buyers who have previously owned a home need a 620 minimum. That makes Utah Housing more flexible than many state programs that are first-time only.
Ready to see which UHC option fits?
We'll check your county's limits, compare the Traditional and Deferred DPA, and tell you the real path, no cost, no obligation.