What Down Payment Assistance Programs Are Available in Utah County in 2026?

by Dana Johns-Szucs

What Down Payment Assistance Programs Are Available in Utah County in 2026?

Saving a full down payment is not the only path to homeownership in Utah County. Several real programs exist right now to help close that gap, and most buyers do not realize how much is actually available. Here is what is currently on the table.

Utah County Loan to Own

This is the largest local program available, offering up to $40,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance for buyers whose household income falls at or below 80 percent of the area median income. It is a 0 percent interest, deferred second loan with no monthly payment, and no payment is due until the property is sold, refinanced, or stops being your primary residence. The program is available in most Utah County cities, with a small number of city-specific exceptions, so it is worth confirming eligibility for your specific target city.

Utah Housing Corporation's Score DPA

This statewide program provides up to $15,000 at zero interest with no monthly payment, repaid only when you sell, refinance, or move out. On a median-priced Utah County home, that $15,000 covers a substantial portion of a typical FHA down payment requirement.

Utah Housing Corporation's Traditional and Deferred DPA

Buyers using a Utah Housing first mortgage may also qualify for a second loan of up to 6 percent of the loan amount, up to $27,500, available as either a traditional repayable second loan or a newer deferred option, depending on your specific situation and loan program.

S.B. 240 First Homebuyer Program

This state program offers up to $20,000 specifically for new construction homes priced at or below $450,000. It can be used toward down payment, closing costs, or a permanent interest rate buydown, and can often be combined with builder incentives for buyers purchasing new construction within that price range.

The Chenoa Fund

This is a nationally available program, not Utah-specific, but usable here, offering down payment assistance up to 3.5 percent of the purchase price on one to two unit properties, with grant, forgivable second, and repayable second options depending on your needs.

Income Limits to Know

For Utah Housing Corporation's programs specifically, Utah County income limits currently sit at $112,000 for a one to two person household and $130,667 for a household of three or more. Loan to Own has its own separate income threshold tied to 80 percent of area median income, so it is worth checking both if you are unsure which program fits your situation.

Can You Combine Programs

In some cases yes, though most programs require you to use a specific first mortgage product to qualify for the matching assistance, so combining multiple down payment programs is not always straightforward. A lender familiar with Utah's assistance programs can tell you quickly which combinations are actually allowed for your situation.

If you think you might qualify for one or more of these programs and want to understand what it would actually mean for your down payment, I would be glad to connect you with a lender who specializes in Utah's assistance programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the largest down payment assistance program in Utah County?

The Utah County Loan to Own program offers up to $40,000, the largest local option currently available for qualifying buyers.

Do I have to pay back down payment assistance?

It depends on the program. Many, including Loan to Own and Score DPA, are deferred loans with no payment due until you sell, refinance, or move out, rather than grants you never repay.

What income qualifies for Utah County down payment assistance?

Utah Housing Corporation programs currently use income limits of $112,000 for one to two person households and $130,667 for three or more, while Loan to Own uses a separate 80 percent area median income threshold.

Can down payment assistance be used for new construction specifically?

Yes, S.B. 240 offers up to $20,000 specifically for new construction homes priced at or below $450,000.

Can I combine multiple down payment assistance programs?

Sometimes, though it depends on which first mortgage product you use, so it is worth checking with a lender familiar with Utah's specific program rules.

If you want to find out which down payment assistance programs you might qualify for, I would love to connect you with a lender who knows these programs well. Call or text me at 801-636-3609.