Down Payment & Closing Cost Help in Utah, Ranked
Utah has more down payment help than most buyers realize, but some programs have strict rules and others run out of money early in the year. Below are the programs I check for clients, ranked by how likely a typical Salt Lake Valley buyer is to qualify and how much each one helps. Each one is labeled with how available its funding is. Some of these are grants, some are loans you repay when you sell or refinance, and some are mortgages designed for a small down payment. All of them reduce the cash you need to buy.
Ongoing Funding is generally available year-round. Limited Money is first come, first served and can run out. Very limited Only a small amount is left. Out of funds for 2026 Check back next year. Ask the lender Availability depends on the lender and the home’s location.
Last reviewed October 2026. Program rules and funding change often, and most programs can’t be combined with each other. I’ll confirm what’s currently available for your situation before you count on it. I’m a real estate agent, not a lender; each program’s sponsor sets its terms.
1. Zions Bank Affordable Home Mortgage
OngoingLow-down-payment mortgage
What it is: A low-down-payment mortgage with reduced lender fees, lender-paid mortgage insurance, and closing cost help.
Who it fits: Any income level. The home must be under $800,000 and in an eligible census tract. Check an address on the Zions eligibility map.
Why it ranks here: No income limit and no first-time buyer rule, so far more buyers qualify than for most programs. My wife and I used it for our own condo.
2. Utah Housing Corporation FirstHome and down payment assistance
OngoingLow-down-payment mortgageDeferred loan
What it is: Utah Housing’s first mortgages can come with down payment assistance of up to 6% of the loan, capped at $27,500.
Who it fits: Buyers under Utah Housing’s income and purchase price limits, which vary by county and household size. Available statewide through participating lenders.
Why it ranks here: Available statewide, all year, and the assistance can be substantial.
3. Salt Lake Board of REALTORS® American Dream Grant
LimitedGrant
What it is: A $10,000 grant for down payment and closing costs.
Who it fits: First-time buyers (or no ownership in the last 3 years) with household income up to $141,400 and a credit score above 640, who are pre-qualified with a lender. The buyer must work with a Salt Lake Board of REALTORS® member, who submits the application, and must close within 90 days of the award.
Why it ranks here: A true grant that doesn’t have to be repaid, but the board awards a limited number each year.
I’m a Salt Lake Board of REALTORS® member, so I can apply for this grant on behalf of buyers I represent. Grants aren’t guaranteed, but if you’re a likely fit, I’ll submit your application as soon as we’re working together and you’re pre-qualified.
4. Utah First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program (new construction)
Very limitedDeferred loan
What it is: Up to $20,000 from the State of Utah toward down payment, closing costs, or a rate buydown, as a deferred loan repaid when you sell or refinance.
Who it fits: First-time buyers purchasing a newly built, never-lived-in home in Utah for $450,000 or less, including condos and townhomes, with a Utah Housing first mortgage.
Why it ranks here: Very helpful if you’re buying new, but only new construction qualifies, and as of spring 2026 Utah Housing reported room for only a few hundred more buyers. See new condo projects.
5. Own in Salt Lake County (CDC Utah)
LimitedDeferred loan
What it is: Up to $20,000 in deferred down payment help.
Who it fits: Lower- and moderate-income first-time buyers in participating Salt Lake County cities, such as Holladay, Millcreek, South Salt Lake, and Draper. Run by the Community Development Corporation of Utah.
Why it ranks here: A large amount, but limited to certain cities and income levels.
6. City programs: West Valley City, South Jordan, and Salt Lake City (CDCU)
LimitedGrantDeferred loan
What it is: West Valley City offers a grant of up to $14,999. South Jordan offers up to 7.5% of the price, capped at $20,000. CDCU offers forgivable help in Salt Lake City and parts of the county.
Who it fits: Buyers at or below about 80% of area median income buying in those cities, usually first-time buyers who complete a homebuyer class.
Why it ranks here: Generous, but each is limited to one city and to lower incomes.
7. Bank grants (Bank of America, Chase, Bank of Utah, and others)
Ask the lenderGrant
What it is: Lender grants of a few thousand dollars up to about $15,000 for closing costs or down payment, sometimes tied to eligible neighborhoods. Federal Home Loan Bank “Home$tart” grants are also available through some local banks and credit unions.
Who it fits: Depends on the lender, your income, and the home’s census tract. You generally must get your mortgage from that lender.
Why it ranks here: Worth asking about when comparing lenders, but rules vary widely and some grants may be taxable.
8. NeighborWorks Salt Lake (Salt Lake City and Murray) and Midvale City
Out of funds for 2026
What it is: Down payment programs for lower-income buyers in those cities.
Who it fits: Lower-income buyers in Salt Lake City, Murray, or Midvale.
Why it ranks here: Out of funds for 2026. I’ll let you know if they reopen.
How I Help
Most buyers qualify for something, but the right program depends on your income, the home, and the lender. When we work together, I’ll help you figure out which programs fit, connect you with lenders who offer them, and time your offer around their rules. Run your numbers first with the mortgage calculator or the rent vs. buy calculator.
John Taylor, REALTOR® | In Depth Realty | 801-918-5798 | Hablo español | Equal Housing Opportunity