Buying your first home in Utah is more achievable than most people realize. The state has several programs specifically designed to help first-time buyers with down payments, closing costs, and below-market interest rates. Here is a complete breakdown of what is available in 2026.
Utah Housing Corporation (UHC) Programs
The Utah Housing Corporation is the primary source of first-time buyer assistance in the state. They offer several loan programs that can be combined with down payment assistance.
FirstHome Loan: This is UHC's flagship program for first-time buyers. It offers a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at a below-market interest rate. Income and purchase price limits apply and vary by county. In Salt Lake County, the income limit for a household of two is approximately $110,000, and the purchase price limit is around $500,000.
HomeAgain Loan: This program is similar to FirstHome but has slightly higher income and purchase price limits. It is designed for buyers who may have owned a home previously but meet the definition of a first-time buyer (no ownership in the past three years).
Score Loan: The Score program is designed for buyers with credit scores as low as 620. It has higher interest rates than FirstHome but provides access to homeownership for buyers who are still building their credit.
Down Payment Assistance: UHC offers a second mortgage of up to 6% of the loan amount to cover down payment and closing costs. This second mortgage has a 30-year term with a fixed interest rate. It does not need to be paid off when you sell — it is structured as a regular second mortgage.
Federal Programs Available in Utah
FHA Loans: The Federal Housing Administration insures loans with down payments as low as 3.5% for buyers with credit scores of 580 or higher. FHA loans are widely available through most lenders in Utah and are a popular choice for first-time buyers who have not saved a large down payment.
USDA Rural Development Loans: For buyers purchasing in eligible rural areas, USDA loans offer 100% financing — no down payment required. Parts of the Heber Valley, Eagle Mountain, Saratoga Springs, and other communities on the edges of the Salt Lake Valley may qualify. This program is worth checking if you are open to living outside the urban core.
VA Loans: If you are a veteran or active-duty service member, VA loans offer 100% financing with no private mortgage insurance. Utah has a significant military population, and VA loans are one of the best mortgage products available anywhere.
Conventional 3% Down Programs: Fannie Mae's HomeReady and Freddie Mac's Home Possible programs allow conventional loans with as little as 3% down for buyers who meet income requirements. These can be a good alternative to FHA loans for buyers with stronger credit.
Salt Lake County and City Programs
Salt Lake County and Salt Lake City both offer additional assistance programs for buyers purchasing within their boundaries. These programs are typically funded through federal Community Development Block Grants and have limited funding that is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
Contact Salt Lake County Community Development or Salt Lake City's Housing and Neighborhood Development office for current program availability and income limits.
How to Use These Programs Together
The most powerful approach is to combine programs. For example, a first-time buyer might use a UHC FirstHome Loan for the primary mortgage, UHC's down payment assistance for the down payment and closing costs, and potentially a local grant program for additional closing cost help. In the right circumstances, a buyer can purchase a home with very little out-of-pocket expense.
The key is working with a lender who is approved by the Utah Housing Corporation and familiar with stacking these programs. Not all lenders participate in UHC programs.
Income and Purchase Price Limits (2026 Estimates)
These limits change periodically. As of early 2026, approximate limits for Salt Lake County:
| Program | Income Limit (2 person) | Purchase Price Limit |
|---|---|---|
| FirstHome | ~$110,000 | ~$500,000 |
| HomeAgain | ~$130,000 | ~$550,000 |
| Score | ~$110,000 | ~$500,000 |
Limits are higher in some counties. Check with a UHC-approved lender for current figures.
Getting Started
The first step is getting pre-approved. A UHC-approved lender can review your income, credit, and savings and tell you exactly which programs you qualify for. This process takes about 30 minutes and costs nothing.
If you are a first-time buyer in Draper, South Jordan, Sandy, or anywhere along the Wasatch Front, I work with excellent lenders who specialize in these programs. I am happy to make an introduction. Reach me at (801) 473-8706 or at holcombhouses.com.
Ethan Holcomb Real Estate Agent | Summit Sotheby's International Realty
Ethan Holcomb
Global Real Estate Advisor · Summit Sotheby's International Realty
Specializing in residential real estate throughout Salt Lake, Utah, Davis, Summit, and Wasatch Counties. Reach Ethan at 385-338-0639 or [email protected].