28 Sep Salt Lake County Home Buyer Grants & Down Payment Programs
Buying a home in Salt Lake County can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to saving for a down payment. The good news is there are several programs available that can help you get into a home sooner. Some provide grants that do not need to be repaid, while others offer low interest or deferred payment loans that reduce the upfront costs of buying.
At Buy Utah Homes, we specialize in guiding buyers through these programs and showing how they fit into a complete home buying plan.
Why Focus on Salt Lake County?
• Salt Lake County is Utah’s largest housing market with some of the highest home prices in the state
• City and county programs provide unique opportunities not found elsewhere
• Statewide options administered by Utah Housing Corporation (UHC) add even more flexibility for buyers
Utah Housing Corporation (UHC) Options
UHC is Utah’s housing finance agency, and it offers several first mortgage programs that include built-in down payment assistance through a second loan. These are the main programs available to buyers in Salt Lake County:
• FirstHome FHA/VA Bond Loan – designed for first-time buyers who meet income and purchase price limits. Can be paired with FHA or VA financing
• FHA or VA Mortgage – UHC provides down payment assistance options with standard FHA and VA loans, making them more accessible for Utah buyers
• Freddie Mac HFA Conventional – a conventional loan option through UHC that can be paired with down payment assistance for buyers who qualify under Freddie Mac’s HFA guidelines
UHC Down Payment Assistance Second Loan
Any of these first mortgage products can be paired with UHC’s subordinate second loan to cover part of the down payment and closing costs. This assistance loan is typically repaid when the home is sold or refinanced, helping buyers get into a home sooner without waiting years to save.
Specialty Programs through UHC
• First Time Homebuyer Assistance Program – zero interest help for buyers of new construction homes, subject to purchase price caps
• Veterans Assistance Program – grants for qualified veteran first-time buyers
• Law Enforcement and Correctional Officer Program – assistance equal to a percentage of the first mortgage, forgivable with years of service
Local Programs in Salt Lake County
Salt Lake City – Funding Our Future
• Provides down payment or closing cost assistance funded through the city’s “Funding Our Future” initiative
• Structured as deferred or zero-interest loans, with possible forgiveness after a set period
• Must purchase within Salt Lake City boundaries and meet income and purchase price caps
Murray – DPA Murray Champions
• Down payment assistance program administered in partnership with NeighborWorks Salt Lake
• First-come, first-served funds with income eligibility requirements
• Offered as a forgivable or zero-interest loan for qualified buyers
• Requires completion of a homebuyer education course
South Jordan – Housing DPA Program
• Administered by South Jordan’s Redevelopment Agency
• Offers up to 7.5% of the purchase price or $20,000, whichever is less
• Typically structured as a deferred or zero-interest loan that may convert to a grant if all requirements are met
• Must meet income limits and purchase within South Jordan boundaries
West Jordan – Own in West Jordan City
• Designed for first-time buyers who have not owned in the past 24 months
• Provides assistance as a forgivable loan, forgiven over a five-year period if the home remains owner-occupied
• Requires a minimum personal contribution from the buyer (for example $2,500)
• Covers owner-occupied single family homes, condos, and townhomes
West Valley City – Down Payment Assistance Program
• Offers assistance for down payment and closing costs within West Valley City
• Income limits apply, and applicants must purchase owner-occupied homes
• Structured as a deferred payment loan with repayment required if the home is sold before terms are met
Salt Lake County – Assistance for Non-US Citizens
• Designed to support homebuyers with refugee or asylee status and other non-citizens
• Income limits apply, and applicants must meet standard program requirements
• Often administered in partnership with nonprofit organizations and requires HUD-approved homebuyer education
Practical Benefits of Assistance
Compare to Renting
With the right program, monthly mortgage payments are often close to what many renters already pay, but instead of paying a landlord, every payment builds equity.
Build Wealth Sooner
Instead of waiting years to save for a large down payment while prices rise, assistance programs allow you to purchase sooner and benefit from home value growth.
Flexibility for Future Moves
Most assistance loans are due only when you sell or refinance, giving you flexibility if your plans change later.
Education Opportunities
Knowledge is just as important as funding. That is why we provide education opportunities to help buyers feel confident:
• Monthly Homebuyer Class – a detailed session where you can ask questions and learn directly from our experts
• 15 Minute Crash Course on Home Grants – a quick overview that explains how assistance works and what you may qualify for
These resources prepare you to make smart decisions and move forward with clarity.
Real Buyer Stories
Salt Lake County Family
A family in Riverton used the Salt Lake County First Time Homebuyer Program and received 14,000 in assistance. Their monthly mortgage was only slightly higher than rent, but now each payment builds equity toward their future.
Salt Lake City Professional
A young professional purchased a condo downtown with 18,000 in assistance from the Salt Lake City program. She said it felt impossible before learning about the program, but today she owns in the neighborhood she wanted most.
Who Qualifies for These Programs?
Most programs require:
• Primary residence purchase
• Household income within program limits
• Credit score of at least 620, with some flexibility in UHC programs
• Completion of a HUD approved homebuyer education course
Steps to Get Started
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Review income, credit, and household size to check eligibility
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Identify the county, city, and UHC programs that match your goals
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Get pre approved with a lender experienced in Utah Housing programs
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Begin your home search with a clear budget and plan in place
FAQ
Do I have to pay the assistance back?
Some programs are true grants. Others are forgivable or deferred loans, which are paid back only when you sell or refinance.
Is it difficult to qualify?
Most programs are designed for working households. The key step is completing a homebuyer education course and meeting basic income guidelines.
Are there options beyond Salt Lake County?
Yes. Utah Housing Corporation programs and other county level programs are available across the state.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
Salt Lake County offers some of the most generous assistance programs in Utah. If you are considering buying a home, now is the time to see what you qualify for.
Apply for Utah Home Grants here >>
Or join one of our education opportunities to learn more:
Our team at Buy Utah Homes is here to guide you through eligibility, applications, and every step of the home buying journey.