Salt Lake City Down Payment Assistance
Salt Lake City has one of the strongest collections of down payment assistance programs in Utah. Between city, county, state, and federal sources, qualified buyers can access $35,000+ in assistance — with potential over $85,000 when all programs are funded.
About Salt Lake City, Utah
County
Salt Lake County
Population
~200,000
Median Home Price
~$500,000
Salt Lake City is the capital and cultural hub of Utah, with diverse neighborhoods ranging from the tree-lined Avenues to the up-and-coming westside communities. With a median home price around $500,000, the city has invested heavily in down payment assistance and affordable housing programs. Multiple city-specific programs complement the state and county options, giving SLC buyers some of the best DPA opportunities in the state.
Available Programs in Salt Lake City
UHC FirstHome Loan
OpenUp to 6% of loan
Deferred Second MortgageThe Utah Housing Corporation offers up to 6% of the first mortgage amount as a deferred second mortgage. Multiple DPA tiers available depending on loan type and credit score. Includes competitive first mortgage rates.
Welcome Home Grant
Open$20,000
Forgivable GrantUp to $20,000 in forgivable down payment assistance from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines. Funds are fully forgiven after 5 years of owner occupancy.
SLC Own In DPA
Opening Soon$20,000
Forgivable GrantSalt Lake City's flagship $20,000 forgivable grant for homes purchased within SLC city limits. Forgiven after a compliance period of owner occupancy. Currently paused pending new CDBG/HOME funding.
Agency: Salt Lake City Housing Stability Division
Currently paused — historically reopens when new CDBG or HOME funding is allocated.
SLC Plus DPA
Opening Soon$30,000
Forgivable GrantAn enhanced DPA option offering up to $30,000 in forgivable assistance for Salt Lake City buyers. Designed for buyers who need more help bridging the affordability gap in SLC's higher-priced neighborhoods.
Agency: Salt Lake City Housing Stability Division
Currently paused — expected to reopen with new funding allocation.
SLC Community Land Trust
OpenShared Equity Model
Affordable HousingThe Salt Lake City Community Land Trust offers permanently affordable homes where you own the structure but lease the land at minimal cost. Significantly reduces purchase prices and monthly payments for qualifying buyers.
Agency: Salt Lake City Community Land Trust
Salt Lake County HOME Program
Limited FundsUp to $40,000
Deferred LoanFederal HOME funds distributed through Salt Lake County for down payment and closing cost assistance. Deferred repayment — no monthly payments until sale, refinance, or payoff.
Agency: Salt Lake County Housing & Community Development
Limited funding available — apply early.
CDC-Utah Programs
OpenVaries
Grant / EducationCommunity Development Corporation of Utah offers homebuyer education, financial coaching, and connects buyers to available DPA programs. Completing their HUD-approved homebuyer education course is required by many DPA programs.
Agency: CDC-Utah
Stack Programs for Maximum Savings
These programs can be combined on a single purchase
Available right now for Salt Lake City buyers. When SLC Own In ($20K) and SLC Plus ($30K) reopen, total potential jumps to $85,000+. We notify all pre-approved clients when new funding is released.
Salt Lake County Income Limits (80% AMI)
Based on 2025 HUD income limits for Salt Lake County at 80% of Area Median Income. All household members' income is counted, including non-borrowers living in the home.
How to Apply
Check Your Eligibility
We review your income, household size, and target purchase area to determine which Salt Lake City programs you qualify for. This takes about 15 minutes.
Get Pre-Approved
We handle your mortgage pre-approval and structure your loan to maximize DPA benefits. Most SLC programs require both a pre-approval letter and homebuyer education completion.
Complete Homebuyer Education
Many Salt Lake City programs require a HUD-approved homebuyer education course. CDC-Utah offers free or low-cost options. We'll guide you to the right one.
Find Your Home in Salt Lake City
Shop for a home within the program’s geographic and price limits. Salt Lake City offers diverse neighborhoods at various price points.
Submit DPA Applications & Close
We prepare and submit all applications on your behalf. DPA funds are applied at closing to cover your down payment and/or closing costs.
Required Documents
- Pre-approval letter from your lender (we handle this)
- 2024 federal income tax returns for all household members
- 2 most recent months of pay stubs for all working household members
- Accepted Real Estate Purchase Contract (REPC)
- Government-issued photo ID
- Bank statements (most recent 2 months)
- Social Security cards or ITIN documentation
- Homebuyer education certificate (required for most SLC programs)
Frequently Asked Questions
What down payment assistance is available in Salt Lake City?
Salt Lake City buyers can access the UHC FirstHome Loan (up to 6%), the Welcome Home Grant ($20,000 forgivable), SLC Own In DPA ($20,000, currently paused), SLC Plus DPA ($30,000, currently paused), the SLC Community Land Trust, the Salt Lake County HOME Program (up to $40,000), and CDC-Utah programs. Even with some paused, over $35,000 is available right now.
When will Salt Lake City's DPA programs reopen?
SLC Own In and SLC Plus are both paused pending new CDBG or HOME funding allocations. Historically they reopen when new federal funding cycles begin. We monitor this closely and notify pre-approved clients immediately when funds become available.
Do I have to be a first-time home buyer for Salt Lake City DPA?
Most SLC programs require first-time buyer status (no ownership in the past 3 years). Exceptions may exist for veterans and targeted areas. The Community Land Trust has its own qualification criteria. Contact us for a personalized review.
What are the income limits for DPA in Salt Lake City?
Income limits are based on 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for Salt Lake County. For a family of four, the limit is approximately $98,150. All household members' income counts, including non-borrowers living in the home.
Can I combine multiple DPA programs in Salt Lake City?
Yes. Stacking is one of the most effective strategies. You could combine the Welcome Home Grant ($20,000) with UHC FirstHome for $35,000+ right now. When SLC programs reopen, totals can reach $65,000+. We coordinate all applications.
What is the median home price in Salt Lake City?
The median home price in Salt Lake City is approximately $500,000 as of 2026, though prices vary significantly by neighborhood. Areas like Rose Park, Glendale, and Poplar Grove tend to offer more affordable options. DPA programs can dramatically reduce out-of-pocket costs.
How does the SLC Community Land Trust work?
The Community Land Trust model separates land ownership from home ownership. You buy the house at a reduced price and lease the land for a minimal monthly fee. This makes homes in Salt Lake City significantly more affordable. Resale restrictions ensure the home remains affordable for future buyers.
What types of homes qualify for DPA in Salt Lake City?
Most DPA programs work with single-family homes, condos, and townhomes as long as the property is your primary residence and within price limits. Investment properties and second homes do not qualify. The Community Land Trust has specific available properties.
Related Resources
We Handle Everything
The documentation for DPA programs overlaps heavily with your mortgage application. We prepare and submit all applications on your behalf — at no extra cost.
Questions? Call us directly
(801) 820-7620Program Status at a Glance
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