Davis County has the largest county-level down payment assistance program in Utah. It lends up to $50,000 at 1% interest with no monthly payments, and unlike most local programs, you don't have to be a first-time buyer to use it. If you're buying anywhere in Davis County and your household income fits, it's worth knowing about before you get under contract.
Funding update (October 2026): the 2026 funds are used up, and Davis County says applications reopen July 1, 2027. If you're buying before then, look at Utah Housing Corporation's assistance, which is available statewide.
What the program actually is
Davis County's Homeownership Assistance Program is run by the county's Community & Economic Development office. The core offer:
- Up to $50,000, recorded as a second lien behind your first mortgage
- 1% interest
- No monthly payments while you live in the home
- Repaid when you sell or refinance. It is a deferred loan, not a forgivable one, so the balance plus interest comes out of your proceeds at that point.
Because nothing is due month to month, it doesn't raise your payment. That's what makes it so useful: you get the help now and settle it later out of equity.
How the money can be used
The county lets you split the assistance between a few uses:
- Principal reduction: lowers the amount you borrow on your first mortgage, which lowers your monthly payment
- Permanent interest rate buy-down: up to $10,000
- Down payment and closing costs: up to 50% of what's required
The 50% cap on down payment and closing costs means the county covers up to half of your cash to close, and you bring the rest (or negotiate a seller concession toward closing costs). The larger dollar amounts usually go toward principal reduction.
Who qualifies
- Income at or below 80% of Area Median Income. For 2026 that's $66,050 for one person, $75,450 for two, $84,900 for three and $94,300 for four. The county updates these every year, so verify before applying.
- Not limited to first-time buyers. Income is the gate, not ownership history.
- Primary residence. You have to live in the home.
- Homebuyer education. Expect to complete a HUD-approved course before closing. Here's how those courses work.
Which cities are covered
The whole county: Bountiful, Woods Cross, West Bountiful, North Salt Lake, Centerville, Farmington, Fruit Heights, Kaysville, Layton, Clearfield, Clinton, Sunset, West Point, Syracuse, South Weber, and unincorporated Davis County.
Funding and timing
Funding is allocated each year and awarded first-come, first-qualified until it runs out. The 2026 cycle reopened July 1, 2026 through the county's online application portal. Apply early in the cycle if you can, and confirm funds are available before you count on them in an offer.
Hill AFB buyers and VA loans
Layton and Clearfield sit right next to Hill Air Force Base, and a lot of Davis County buyers are active-duty, DoD civilian, or veteran households. A VA loan already means no down payment and no PMI. Pairing it with the county's 1% loan can cover closing costs and bring down the loan amount, which lowers the monthly payment. Ask your lender early whether they'll close a VA loan with the county's second lien, since not every lender will.
Can you combine it with other assistance?
Usually you use one assistance program, not several. Whether the county loan can sit alongside another program depends on the program rules and your lender, so confirm it in writing before relying on a combination. Here's why combining programs is rare, and why one program this size is usually enough.
What can go wrong
Income too high. The 80% AMI limit is stricter than Utah Housing Corporation's limits. If you're over it, UHC's programs may still fit.
Funding runs out. The county awards money until the year's allocation is gone. Waiting until you're under contract to apply is the most common way to miss it.
Selling or refinancing sooner than planned. The full balance plus 1% interest is due at sale or refinance. It comes out of your equity, not your pocket, but plan for it.
Not living in the home. Moving out and renting the home out can trigger repayment. Don't count on converting it to a rental without paying the loan off.
Questions? Here's where to start
The fastest way to know if you qualify is a short call where we look at your income, the price range you're targeting, and whether the program makes sense for you. Reach out here or call (801) 414-2212. Program details come from Davis County's program page; the county has the final word on current terms.