Pairing Utah down payment assistance with a VA loan
VA loans don't require a down payment, so why add Utah assistance? One reason: closing costs and prepaids. UHC assistance can cover most of what a VA buyer still brings to the table.
Note UHC assistance rides with a UHC first mortgage. For a full-entitlement Veteran, a VA-only loan is often the cheapest path; we tell you which structure is actually better for your situation.
What Utah Housing Corporation assistance is
Utah Housing Corporation (UHC) pairs a fixed-rate first mortgage with a down payment assistance second mortgage.
| Program | Assistance |
|---|---|
| FirstHome / FHA / VA | UHC DPA second up to 6% of the first-mortgage amount |
| Score Loan | UHC DPA second up to 4%; for buyers with lower credit (about 620+) |
| HomeAgain / NoMI | UHC options for repeat buyers or to avoid mortgage insurance (about 660 credit) |
| State First-Time Homebuyer Assistance | Up to $20,000 for new-build / never-occupied homes priced up to $450,000 |
How it works for a Veteran buyer
For a full-entitlement Veteran, a VA loan already delivers $0 down and no monthly mortgage insurance. UHC's value is usually covering closing costs through the DPA second, or the state $20,000 program on an eligible new build. We compare VA-only against the UHC path and show real numbers. Only one down payment assistance program applies per transaction.
Things to watch
- Credit. UHC programs generally want about a 660 score (Score Loan goes lower).
- The DPA second is repaid. A UHC assistance second adds a payment; we include it in your debt-to-income math.
- The $20,000 program is new-build only, for never-occupied homes priced up to $450,000.
- Education. Homebuyer education is required for UHC programs.
Frequently asked questions
How much down payment assistance can you get in Utah?
Through Utah Housing Corporation, the DPA second is up to 6% of the first-mortgage amount (4% on the Score Loan). Utah's separate state program adds up to $20,000 for eligible new-build homes priced up to $450,000.
Can I use Utah DPA with a VA loan?
UHC assistance is designed to ride with a UHC first mortgage. For a full-entitlement Veteran, VA-only is often cheaper; when UHC helps, it is usually closing-cost assistance. We run both ways.
What credit score do you need for Utah down payment assistance?
Plan on about a 660 credit score for most UHC programs; the Score Loan accepts lower credit (around 620). We confirm your eligibility up front.
Does Utah DPA hurt my VA entitlement?
No. A UHC assistance second is a separate lien; your VA first mortgage uses entitlement and the second does not, so you preserve future-purchase entitlement.