What first-time home buyer programs are available in Utah?

Utah Housing Corporation (UHC) is Utah's main source of home buyer help. Its FirstHome loan serves lower-income first-time buyers. Its FHA, VA, and conventional HFA loans are open to first-time and repeat buyers. Its down payment assistance can cover the minimum down payment and part of the closing costs: up to 6% of the first mortgage as a second mortgage with a monthly payment, or up to 3.5% as a deferred second with no monthly payment, subject to a program cap. Income and purchase price limits are set by county, and you apply through a UHC participating lender.

Utah Housing Corporation programs.

Details come from UHC's published program pages. Confirm current terms before planning around them.

Utah Housing Corporation home buyer programs
Program	Who it's for	Key requirements
FirstHome	Lower-income first-time buyers (exceptions for single parents and veterans)	Minimum 660 credit score for government loans or 680 for conventional; county income and purchase price limits
FHA or VA mortgage	First-time and repeat buyers	Minimum 620 credit score; a statewide qualifying-income limit (higher in Summit County); FHA or VA loan limits
Freddie Mac HFA Advantage	First-time and repeat buyers	Conventional loan; minimum 680 credit score (700 for two- to four-unit properties); qualifying-income limit; homebuyer education required when all occupying borrowers are first-time buyers
Down payment assistance second mortgage	Buyers using a UHC first mortgage	A 30-year second with a monthly payment (up to 6% of the first mortgage) or a deferred second with no monthly payment (up to 3.5%); a program cap applies

How Utah down payment assistance works.

UHC assistance is only available alongside a UHC first mortgage. UHC offers two versions: a 30-year second mortgage with its own monthly payment, up to 6% of the first mortgage, or a deferred second mortgage with no monthly payment, up to 3.5%, repaid when you sell, refinance, or reach maturity. Both are subject to a program cap. UHC does not require a minimum borrower contribution, and the lender works out how much assistance you need.

UHC also lists grants for veterans, law enforcement and correctional officers, and a state First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program for newly built homes that requires 12 months of Utah residency. Availability varies with funding.

Income and purchase price limits.

FirstHome limits vary by county and household size, and Salt Lake, Utah, Davis, Weber, and Washington counties each have their own figures. The FHA, VA, and Freddie Mac options use a statewide qualifying-income limit, higher in Summit County, with no purchase price cap. UHC publishes the current tables.

Properties that qualify.

Single-family homes, condos, and planned unit developments qualify. FHA and VA loans can include an owner-occupied duplex or a home with an accessory dwelling unit. Manufactured homes are eligible with requirements on FirstHome and FHA or VA loans, but not on HFA Advantage. FirstHome does not allow renting any part of the home. Second homes, vacation homes, and short-term rentals do not qualify.

How to get started.

Get pre-approved, then ask the lender to run the UHC options against a standard loan. Bryan Bowman, NMLS #1473913, is licensed in Utah and can talk through how UHC options compare with standard programs for your income and county. UHC loans are underwritten and closed by a UHC-approved participating lender.

Common questions.

General answers — your situation deserves a specific one. Bryan is a call away.

Does Utah have a first-time home buyer program?

Yes. Utah Housing Corporation's FirstHome loan is designed for lower-income first-time buyers, and UHC's FHA, VA, and conventional programs are open to first-time and repeat buyers.

What credit score do I need for Utah Housing?

FirstHome requires 660 for government loans or 680 for conventional loans. UHC's FHA and VA program requires 620, and HFA Advantage requires 680 (700 for two- to four-unit properties). Lenders may set higher minimums.

How much down payment assistance can I get in Utah?

UHC's assistance can cover up to 6% of the first mortgage as a second with a monthly payment, or up to 3.5% as a deferred second with no monthly payment, subject to a program cap.

Is Utah down payment assistance a grant?

No. UHC's main assistance is a second mortgage that is repaid, either with a monthly payment or deferred until you sell, refinance, or reach maturity. UHC also lists grant programs for specific groups, such as veterans and law enforcement, when funded.

Can I use Utah Housing if I have owned a home before?

Yes. UHC's FHA, VA, and Freddie Mac HFA Advantage loans are open to repeat buyers. FirstHome requires first-time buyer status, with exceptions for single parents and veterans.

How do I apply for a Utah Housing loan?

Through a UHC-approved participating lender; tell them you want a Utah Housing loan. Bryan Bowman, NMLS #1473913, is licensed in Utah and can explain how UHC options compare with standard programs.

What happened to Utah Housing's HomeAgain and Score loans?

UHC replaced its HomeAgain and Score loans with its FHA/VA Mortgage program, which is open to first-time and repeat buyers.

Closely related guides on the same decision.

How to Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

Mortgage pre-approval is a lender's review of your credit, income, assets, and debts to establish what you can realistically borrow. You provide documentation, the lender verifies it, and you receive a pre-approval letter you can shop with. It's more substantive than pre-qualification, which is typically an estimate based on unverified information.

FHA Loan Requirements Explained

An FHA loan is a government-insured mortgage designed to make homeownership more accessible. Qualifying generally involves meeting FHA's credit standards, making a minimum down payment set by the program, documenting stable income, and buying a home that meets FHA property requirements. Exact terms depend on the borrower, the property, and current guidelines.

Get answers about your situation.

Guides explain the general rules. A short conversation with Bryan tells you how they apply to you — no obligation, no pressure.

Get Pre-Approved Call (702) 820-2963