Utah First-Time Homebuyer Programs & Down Payment Help (2026)

Every 2026 down payment program open to Salt Lake Valley first-time buyers, what each one pays, who qualifies, and whether you pay it back.
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The short version

Most first-time buyers in the Salt Lake Valley can combine a low-down-payment loan with at least one assistance program. The biggest are run by Utah Housing Corporation, and some are first come, first served until the money runs out.

2026 programs at a glance

ProgramUp toWho it's forPay it back?
Utah First-Time Homebuyer Assistance (new construction)$20,000First-time buyers of a new, never-lived-in home priced at $450,000 or lessYes, when you sell or refinance
Utah Housing Deferred DPA3.5% of the loan, max $27,500Buyers using a Utah Housing FHA, VA or Freddie Mac first mortgageYes, at sale, refinance or payoff; no monthly payment
Utah Housing Traditional DPA6% of the loan, max $27,500Same as aboveYes, 30-year loan with a monthly payment
American Dream Grant (Salt Lake Board of Realtors)$10,000First-time buyers or no ownership in 3 years; household income up to $141,400; credit score above 640No
Utah Homebuyer Veteran Grant$2,500Service members and veterans separated in the last 5 years, buying their first Utah homeNo
Midvale Down Payment Assistance$25,000 ($30,000 for Midvale residents and public employees)First-time buyers at or below 80% of area median income, buying in MidvaleForgiven 20% a year over 5 years

How each one works

Utah First-Time Homebuyer Assistance (new construction). Up to $20,000 to use for your down payment, closing costs or a permanent rate buydown. The home must be newly built, never lived in, and priced at $450,000 or less, and you need a Utah Housing mortgage through a participating lender. Funds last until they run out.

Utah Housing down payment assistance. A second mortgage that sits behind your Utah Housing first mortgage. The Deferred option has no monthly payment and is due when you sell, refinance or pay off the loan. The Traditional option covers more but adds a monthly payment.

American Dream Grant. The Salt Lake Board of Realtors awards $10,000 grants by drawing. You need a credit score above 640, must be pre-qualified with a lender, buy an owner-occupied home, work with a Salt Lake Board of Realtors member agent, and close within 90 days of winning. The next 2026 drawing is November 18.

Veteran Grant. $2,500 cash toward your purchase that you never repay, and it works with a VA loan.

Midvale Down Payment Assistance. Run by Midvale's Redevelopment Agency with NeighborWorks Salt Lake. You must take a homebuyer education course and live in the home as your main residence for the five-year term.

Other ways to cover the down payment

  • FHA loans: as little as 3.5% down with a 580 credit score.
  • VA loans: zero down for eligible service members, veterans and some spouses.
  • Roth IRA: you can withdraw up to $10,000 per person toward a first home without the early-withdrawal penalty. Taxes on earnings may still apply.

Your next steps

  1. Get pre-qualified with a lender who is approved for Utah Housing programs.
  2. Run your numbers in our Salt Lake City mortgage calculator to see your monthly payment with Utah taxes, insurance and PMI included.
  3. Ask which programs you qualify for and whether they can be combined.
  4. Shop in your price range, and move fast on programs that are first come, first served.

Document checklist

  • Two years of W-2s or tax returns
  • 30 days of pay stubs
  • Two months of bank statements
  • Photo ID
  • DD-214 or proof of service (veteran grant)
  • Homebuyer education certificate (Midvale and some Utah Housing programs)

See all current programs on our grants page, or call or text (385) 318-3259.