Buying a home in Utah: the help you may qualify for.
Down payment assistance, property tax exemptions and veteran benefits in Utah, gathered from official state sources and explained in plain English. Every program has its own rules, so check with the agency before you count on it.
Down payment and closing cost help
From the Utah Housing Corporation.
First-time Homebuyer Assistance Program
Up to $20,000
0% with no monthly payments, for down payment, closing costs or a rate buydown. You must have lived in Utah for 12 months.
Down payment assistance second mortgage
Up to 6% of the loan
A 30-year second mortgage you repay, at a slightly higher rate than the first mortgage. Credit score 660+ for FirstHome.
Who qualifies: Income and price limits, through a Utah Housing participating lender.
Property tax exemptions and credits
Exemptions lower your home’s taxable value or your bill. Most aren’t automatic: you apply with your county. Utah’s official exemptions information.
For homeowners who live in the home
Primary residential exemption
45% of your home's market value is exempt
Your primary home is taxed on only 55% of its value. Only one household may claim it statewide.
How to apply: With your county; late applications aren't accepted after September 15. (Utah Code ยง59-2-103)
For homeowners 65 and older
Circuit breaker and abatement
A credit of about $262 to $1,412 (2026)
For lower-income seniors, surviving spouses and people with disabilities (household income up to about $44,221 for 2026).
How to apply: With your county, with last year's income documents. (Utah State Tax Commission)
For veterans
Veterans with a disability exemption
Up to $535,459 of taxable value (2026), by disability rating
For veterans with a service-connected disability of 10% or more; the exemption is based on the rating and unemployability.
How to apply: With your county. (Utah State Tax Commission)
Want to see which ones fit you? Answer a few questions in the property tax exemptions checker.
If you serve or served
- VA home loan: available in every state, often with no down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance. You’ll need a Certificate of Eligibility. See VA home loans.
- Property tax: veterans in Utah may qualify for Veterans with a disability exemption. See the details above.
Your next steps
- Work out a monthly cost you’re comfortable with in the home cost calculator. It also lists Utah’s programs with the loans you may qualify for.
- Talk with a free or low-cost HUD-approved housing counselor. Find one near you.
- Ask each lender which of these programs they work with, and compare Loan Estimates from at least three.
- Follow the step-by-step home buyer’s guide from budget to keys.
Common questions
Does Utah have down payment help for home buyers?
Yes. Programs from the Utah Housing Corporation include First-time Homebuyer Assistance Program, Down payment assistance second mortgage. Income and price limits, through a Utah Housing participating lender. Funding and rules change often, so check with the agency or a participating lender.
Does Utah have a homestead or property tax exemption for homeowners?
Yes. Homeowners who live in the home may qualify for: Primary residential exemption. Apply with your county; most exemptions aren't automatic.
Is there help for veterans buying a home in Utah?
VA home loans are available in every state, often with no down payment. Veterans may also qualify for property tax benefits such as Veterans with a disability exemption.
Sources: Utah Housing Corporation and Utah’s property tax office, linked above. Last checked November 11, 2026. Programs, amounts, income limits and funding change often, sometimes every year. Know Before You Own doesn’t recommend lenders or take referral fees. This page is general education, not legal, tax or lending advice. See other states.