First-Time Home Buyer Programs & Grants — Utah 2026

It depends on the loan type. FHA loans require 3.5% down, conventional loans go as low as 3%, and VA and USDA loans require zero down payment. Utah also has some of the best down payment assistance programs in the country — between state, county, and city programs, many first-time buyers close with little to no money out of pocket. We regularly help buyers close with under $1,000 in total out-of-pocket costs.

For FHA loans, you can qualify with a credit score as low as 580 (or 500 with a 10% down payment). Conventional loans typically require 620+. VA and USDA loans generally look for 620+ as well, though there is no official VA minimum. If your credit needs work, we offer free credit counseling to help you get mortgage-ready.

UHC programs typically cap household income at approximately $95,000–$116,000 depending on your county and household size. Local city and county programs like Davis County DPA and Own in Ogden generally require income at or below 80% of the Area Median Income. FHA, VA, and USDA loans themselves do not have income caps (though USDA has geographic income limits). We can check your specific eligibility in minutes.

Yes. FHA loans allow credit scores as low as 580 with just 3.5% down, and scores as low as 500 with 10% down. The UHC Score Loan is designed specifically for buyers with lower credit profiles (minimum 620). We also offer credit counseling and rapid rescore services to help improve your score before applying.

Utah offers numerous grants and forgivable loans for first-time buyers. The Welcome Home Grant provides up to $20,000 in forgivable funds. Layton City offers a $10,000 forgivable grant. Davis County provides up to $50,000. Ogden offers up to $20,000 through Own in Ogden. Clearfield matches savings up to $7,500. Plus, UHC provides up to 6% of your loan amount through their FirstHome Loan program. Many of these can be combined (stacked) for maximum benefit.

A general guideline is that your total monthly housing payment (principal, interest, taxes, insurance, and HOA) should not exceed 28–31% of your gross monthly income. For example, if your household earns $80,000 per year, you could generally qualify for a home in the $350,000–$450,000 range depending on your debts and down payment. Use our mortgage calculator for a personalized estimate, or get pre-approved for an exact number.

Most state and local DPA programs do have income limits, typically ranging from 80% to 115% of the Area Median Income based on your county and household size. However, some programs — such as certain UHC options — have higher thresholds, and the loan products themselves (FHA, VA, conventional) have no income caps. We help buyers find the right combination of programs and loans based on their specific financial picture.

Absolutely. Single parents are some of the most common first-time home buyers we work with. FHA loans are especially popular for single-income households due to their flexible credit requirements and low 3.5% down payment. USDA loans offer zero down for homes in eligible areas. Additionally, many DPA programs prioritize single-parent households or have income thresholds that are favorable for single-income families. We specialize in helping single parents navigate these options.

The Welcome Home Grant is a $20,000 forgivable grant administered through the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) HELP program. It is available to income-qualifying buyers (at or below 80% AMI) who purchase a primary residence through a participating lender. The grant is forgiven after 5 years of owner occupancy — meaning you never have to pay it back if you stay in the home. Funds are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis each year.

The easiest way is to work with a lender who is approved to originate DPA programs — like us. We are a UHC-approved lender and participate in federal, state, county, and city down payment assistance programs across Utah. During your pre-approval, we automatically check your eligibility for every available program and help you apply simultaneously with your mortgage application.

The UHC FirstHome Loan is Utah Housing Corporation's flagship down payment assistance program. It provides up to 6% of your loan amount as a second mortgage to cover your down payment and closing costs. It pairs with a 30-year fixed-rate FHA, VA, or conventional first mortgage. Eligibility requires a 660+ credit score, first-time buyer status, income within UHC limits, and completion of a homebuyer education course.

Yes — stacking is one of the most powerful strategies available to Utah first-time buyers. For example, you might combine a UHC FirstHome Loan with a city-level grant like At Home in Layton or Own in Ogden. Some buyers combine federal grants with state and local programs to cover their entire down payment plus closing costs. Not every combination is allowed, so it is critical to work with a loan officer who understands the layering rules.

For a mortgage application, you will typically need: 2 years of W-2s, 2 years of federal tax returns, 30 days of pay stubs, 2 months of bank statements, a valid photo ID, and your Social Security number. Self-employed buyers also need profit-and-loss statements and business tax returns. DPA programs may require additional documentation such as a homebuyer education certificate.

From pre-approval to closing, most Utah home purchases take 30–45 days once you are under contract. The pre-approval itself can be completed in as little as one business day. The total timeline from "I want to buy" to "I have the keys" is typically 60–90 days, depending on how quickly you find the right home and the complexity of your financing.

Closing costs in Utah typically range from 2% to 5% of the purchase price. On a $400,000 home, expect to pay $8,000–$20,000. Closing costs include lender origination fees, appraisal, title insurance, escrow fees, recording fees, prepaid taxes, and prepaid homeowners insurance. Many DPA programs can be applied toward closing costs, and in some cases sellers contribute as well through seller concessions.