A family in Riverton used the county first time buyer program for fourteen thousand in assistance. Their monthly payment ended up close to their rent, and now every payment builds their own equity.
Salt Lake County Buyer Programs | Grants – Down Payment
Salt Lake County Home Buyer Grants and Down Payment Assistance
A practical guide to Utah Housing options and city or county programs so you can enter the market with confidence.
Why focus on Salt Lake County
- Large and competitive market where assistance can make the first home more reachable
- Multiple city and county programs that are not available elsewhere in Utah
- Statewide options through Utah Housing add flexibility for both first time and returning buyers
Utah Housing Corporation programs
Utah Housing offers first mortgage products with a companion second loan for down payment and closing cost assistance. Core options include:
- FirstHome FHA or VA Bond Loan for eligible first time buyers within program limits
- FHA or VA Mortgage with Utah Housing assistance to reduce upfront cash needs
- Freddie Mac HFA Conventional a conventional route for buyers who meet HFA guidelines
Down payment assistance second loan can be paired with any of the options above and is usually repaid at sale or refinance.
Specialty options may include a first time buyer assistance path for new construction, support for qualified veterans, and an assistance path for law enforcement and correctional officers that may forgive after years of service.
Local city and county programs
Salt Lake City Funding Our Future
- Assistance for homes inside Salt Lake City boundaries
- Often structured as deferred or zero interest with possible forgiveness after a set term
- Income and purchase price limits apply
Murray DPA Murray Champions
- Assistance offered with partner groups such as NeighborWorks Salt Lake
- First come first served funds with income eligibility
- Buyer education is required
South Jordan Housing DPA Program
- Offered through the South Jordan Redevelopment Agency
- Up to seven and one half percent of purchase price or twenty thousand, whichever is less
- Typically deferred or zero interest and may convert to a grant when terms are satisfied
West Jordan Own in West Jordan City
- Focused on first time buyers who have not owned within the past twenty four months
- Forgiveness schedule over five years if owner occupied
- Usually requires a personal cash contribution from the buyer
West Valley City Down Payment Assistance
- Support for down payment and closing costs on homes within West Valley City
- Income limits and owner occupied requirement
- Often a deferred payment structure with repayment at sale if terms are not met
Salt Lake County Assistance for Non US Citizens
- Support for eligible buyers such as refugees and asylees
- Income limits and standard program rules apply
- Delivered with nonprofit partners and accepts approved buyer education
Practical benefits of using assistance
- Compare to renting many buyers find the monthly payment similar to rent while building equity
- Enter the market sooner avoid waiting years to save while prices move up
- Future flexibility most assistance is due at sale or refinance which gives room to move when life changes
Education that speeds up smart decisions
Understanding the process is as important as the funding. Choose a learning path that fits your schedule.
- Monthly Homebuyer Class step by step session with live questions
- 15 Minute Crash Course on Grants a quick overview of how assistance works
Real buyer stories
A single professional purchased a condo downtown with assistance from the city program. She once thought ownership in that area was out of reach, and now she owns close to work and transit.
Program comparison
| Program | Location | Typical assistance | Structure | Key notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FirstHome FHA or VA Bond Loan | Statewide through Utah Housing | First mortgage plus assistance second | Second loan repaid at sale or refinance | For eligible first time buyers within limits |
| FHA or VA Mortgage with Utah Housing assistance | Statewide | Down payment and closing cost support | Assistance second loan | Low down payment path with added support |
| Freddie Mac HFA Conventional | Statewide | Conventional first with assistance second | Second loan repaid at sale or refinance | For buyers who meet HFA guidelines |
| Salt Lake City Funding Our Future | Salt Lake City | Varies by funding | Deferred or zero interest with possible forgiveness | Income and price limits, city boundaries |
| Murray DPA Murray Champions | Murray City | Varies | Forgivable or zero interest | First come first served, buyer education required |
| South Jordan Housing DPA Program | South Jordan | Up to seven and one half percent or twenty thousand | Deferred or zero interest, may convert to grant | RDA program, income limits apply |
| West Jordan Own in West Jordan City | West Jordan | Varies with forgiveness over five years | Forgivable if owner occupied through term | Personal cash contribution usually required |
| West Valley City Down Payment Assistance | West Valley City | Varies | Deferred payment with terms | Income limits and owner occupied use |
| Salt Lake County assistance for non US citizens | Countywide with partners | Varies | Often deferred or grant based | Supports refugees and asylees with approved education |
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay the assistance back
Some options are true grants. Others are forgivable or deferred loans. Most require repayment only at sale or refinance or if terms are not met.
Is it hard to qualify
Programs are designed for working households. Income limits apply and a score of six hundred twenty or higher is common. Approved buyer education is often required.
Can I choose any property type
Most programs allow single family homes, townhomes, and condos used as a primary residence. Some exclude manufactured homes or properties in certain locations.
See what you qualify for
We will review income, credit, and location then match the right assistance plan and loan option.