
Down payment assistance (DPA) is a loan or grant that covers all or part of a Utah buyer's down payment and sometimes closing costs. Programs vary by income, location, and first-mortgage type.
Overview
Utah Housing Corporation offers several DPA second mortgages designed to pair with their first-mortgage products.
Some county and city programs add additional grants for first-time buyers, public-safety workers, and educators.
DPA second mortgages typically must be repaid when the home is sold or refinanced.
Who it's for
- Income limits vary by program and county
- Credit typically 620+
- Owner-occupant primary residence
Key benefits
- Reduces or eliminates cash needed at closing
- Stacks with FHA, VA, USDA, conventional
- Some programs forgiven over time
Common mistakes to avoid
- Assuming you don't qualify because of income
- Not asking the lender to model DPA scenarios upfront
Learn It. Watch It. Download It.
Using Gift Funds for a Down Payment
How gift funds work for a Utah down payment.
Everything a first-time Utah buyer needs — credit, down payment, programs, timeline, and the full home-buying process.
Educational only. Not legal, tax, or financial advice.
Related Resources

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Tres Miller busts three of the most common mortgage myths Utah homebuyers still believe — and shows what the truth means for your down payment, credit, and offer.
The complete Utah home-buying process visualized from first thought to keys in hand.
Educational only. Not legal, tax, or financial advice.
The FHA financing playbook for Utah buyers with lower credit or lower down payment — eligibility, MIP, loan limits, and the step-by-step process.
Educational only. Not legal, tax, or financial advice.
Utah down payment assistance programs — UHC, county, city, and grant programs — eligibility, layering strategies, and how to apply.
Educational only. Not legal, tax, or financial advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Next steps
Start your application, run scenarios in the mortgage calculator, or schedule a call with Tres Miller — 31+ years of Utah lending, NMLS #217768.
Related resource centers
- First-Time Home Buyer Resource CenterPre-approval, down payment programs, and the honest first-time-buyer path.
- FHA Loans Resource CenterDown payment options, credit flexibility, county loan limits, and what to expect from underwriting.
- USDA Loans Resource CenterEligibility maps, income limits, and how USDA Rural Development financing works in Utah.

