What Down Payment Help Is Available for First-Time Buyers in Utah County?
By Joshua Sterling, REALTOR®, RE/MAX Associates ·
Most Utah County first-time buyers have four places to look: Utah County's Loan to Own (up to $40,000), Provo's Home Purchase Plus (up to $60,000 inside Provo), Eagle Mountain's Mortgage Assistance Program (up to $25,000), and Utah Housing Corporation's statewide options, including a $20,000 loan for brand-new homes. Most of the local money is a 0% deferred loan, partly forgivable, and capped at 80% of area median income. Check your income first, then your price range.
What programs are available, and how much do they offer?
- Where:
- Most of Utah County (not Fairfield, Highland or Woodland Hills; Provo buyers use Home Purchase Plus)
- Up to:
- $40,000
- Income limit:
- 80% AMI
- Key rule:
- 0% deferred; up to 50% forgiven after 5–10 years; price cap $495,000
- Where:
- Provo city limits
- Up to:
- $60,000
- Income limit:
- 80% AMI
- Key rule:
- Same structure; 15-year period over $50,000
- Where:
- Eagle Mountain
- Up to:
- $25,000
- Income limit:
- 120% AMI
- Key rule:
- Forgiven over time if you stay; apply by the 15th of each month
- Where:
- Statewide
- Up to:
- $20,000
- Income limit:
- UHC limits
- Key rule:
- New, never-lived-in home at $450,000 or less
- Where:
- Statewide
- Up to:
- About 6% of your loan
- Income limit:
- UHC limits
- Key rule:
- Paired with a Utah Housing first mortgage; repaid monthly
| Program | Where | Up to | Income limit | Key rule |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loan to Own | Most of Utah County (not Fairfield, Highland or Woodland Hills; Provo buyers use Home Purchase Plus) | $40,000 | 80% AMI | 0% deferred; up to 50% forgiven after 5–10 years; price cap $495,000 |
| Home Purchase Plus | Provo city limits | $60,000 | 80% AMI | Same structure; 15-year period over $50,000 |
| Eagle Mountain MAP | Eagle Mountain | $25,000 | 120% AMI | Forgiven over time if you stay; apply by the 15th of each month |
| UHC New Construction | Statewide | $20,000 | UHC limits | New, never-lived-in home at $450,000 or less |
| UHC down payment second | Statewide | About 6% of your loan | UHC limits | Paired with a Utah Housing first mortgage; repaid monthly |
Sources: program pages linked above, checked Oct 2026. Amounts are maximums; your amount depends on price, income and household.
Who qualifies?
For Loan to Own and Home Purchase Plus, household income must be at or below 80% of area median income. In Utah County that was $95,350 for a family of four under HUD's June 2025 limits (Provo City). You also need a fixed-rate first mortgage and at least $1,000 of your own money. Eagle Mountain allows up to 120% of median income. Utah Housing programs require a participating lender and a homebuyer education class before closing.
How long does it take to get approved?
Provo, which runs Loan to Own for the Utah Valley HOME Consortium, wants you under contract before you apply and averages 3–4 weeks to process. Build that into your closing date. Eagle Mountain reviews applications after the 15th of each month and replies within 15 business days. Funds are first-come, first-served, so programs can pause when money runs out.
Frequently asked questions
- Is down payment assistance free money?
- Mostly no. The local programs are 0% loans with no monthly payment. Up to half can be forgiven if you keep the home as your primary residence long enough. Utah Housing's second mortgage is repaid monthly.
- Can I use Loan to Own in Highland?
- No. Loan to Own excludes Fairfield, Highland and Woodland Hills. Provo homes use Home Purchase Plus instead.
- What if I sell or move out early?
- Loan to Own and Home Purchase Plus charge a $5,000 penalty if you leave within two years (Provo DPA manual). Eagle Mountain charges $2,000.
About the author
Joshua Sterling
REALTOR® | RE/MAX Associates | Utah License #11833167-SA00
Joshua has helped more than 200 Utah families buy and sell homes over the past six years and ranks among the Top 1% of Realtors in the state. He moved to Utah in 2013 to attend BYU, lives in Utah County with his wife and four daughters, and owns and invests in rental properties.
Hablo español: Joshua works with clients in English and Spanish.
More about JoshuaQuestions about which program fits you?
I'm happy to walk you through it. Call or text anytime. About Joshua
Joshua Sterling, REALTOR® | RE/MAX Associates
(385) 204-5596 · joshuasterlingre@gmail.com
365 S Garden Grove Ln Ste 110, Pleasant Grove, UT 84062
Utah License #11833167-SA00
This post is general information, not lending or legal advice. Program amounts and limits change; confirm current terms with the program and your lender.