Salt Lake County Homebuyer Grants 2026: Six DPA Programs Across the County
Salt Lake County does not have a single county-wide DPA program. Instead, different cities run different programs with different rules. Own in Salt Lake County (CDC Utah, up to $20K deferred) covers smaller cities and unincorporated areas. Major cities run their own programs: Midvale ($25K-$30K forgivable), South Jordan (up to $20K, 10-year forgivable), West Valley City ($14,999 grant + Chenoa Fund). West Jordandiscontinued its own city grant, so buyers there rely on the county and state programs. NeighborWorks Salt Lake administers Murray / Midvale / SLC city programs (currently out of funds in 2026). Salt Lake City also runs a Community Land Trust (shared-equity model where the city owns the land, waitlist currently full). Your eligibility depends on which city you're buying in.
Buying Your First Home in Salt Lake County
Salt Lake County is the most expensive county on the Wasatch Front and the most competitive inventory market. There is no single county-wide DPA program; instead, each buyer's available assistance depends on which city the home is in. CDC Utah's Own in Salt Lake County program covers most smaller cities and unincorporated areas with up to $20,000 deferred. Major cities (Midvale, South Jordan, West Valley) run their own programs administered by their respective city offices. West Jordan discontinued its city grant, so buyers there use the county and state programs only.
Most of our Salt Lake County clients land in one of three buyer profiles: South Valley buyers (West Jordan, Herriman, Riverton, Bluffdale) chasing newer construction at lower price-per-square-foot; Sugar House and East Bench buyers who prioritize walkability, older charm, and proximity to downtown employment; and Daybreak / South Jordan buyers, drawn to master-planned amenities and the Silicon Slopes commute. The right program depends on the city: South Jordan buyers should start with the city DPA (which is forgivable, not just deferred), while West Jordan buyers go straight to Own in Salt Lake County plus UHC; Sugar House / Avenuesbuyers route through NeighborWorks Salt Lake's SLC City program (currently out of funds in 2026, so practically UHC + the $14,999 West Valley grant if buying west, or UHC-only if in SLC proper); Daybreak / Bluffdale / Herriman buyers use Own in Salt Lake County.
Several of these programs are funded annually and deplete mid-year. NeighborWorks Salt Lake's Murray, Midvale, and SLC programs are currently out of funds for 2026; West Valley's Chenoa Fund cycle opens May 1, 2026. Own in Salt Lake County and South Jordan are typically active year-round but applications are first-come, first-served. West Jordan no longer offers a city program at all. Confirm current funding availability for your specific city before building your offer strategy around any city-level program.
Requirements: Own in Salt Lake County
These requirements are specific to the Own in Salt Lake County program administered by CDC Utah. Other SLC County DPA programs (Midvale, South Jordan, West Valley) have different rules. See the programs-by-city table below.
Buyer Requirements
- ✓First-time homebuyer (no ownership in past 3 years)
- ✓Meet income restrictions (see limits below)
- ✓Complete homebuyer education course
- ✓Complete pre-purchase counseling
- ✓Occupy home as primary residence
Property Requirements
- ✓Located within Salt Lake County
- ✓Single-family residential property
- ✓Maximum purchase price of $522,500
- ✓Must pass visual property assessment
- ✓Assessment by CDCU required
Financial Requirements
- ✓Contribute 50% of required down payment
- ✓Minimum $1,000 from personal liquid funds
- ✓Can combine with FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional
- ✓UHC loans are compatible
- ✓25-30 days to fund after commitment
Salt Lake County 80% AMI Reference
These are HUD's published 80% AMI limits for Salt Lake County, used by most city DPA programs (South Jordan, Midvale, West Valley) as their income cap. Own in Salt Lake County may use slightly higher limits. Verify directly with CDC Utah. UHC statewide programs use separate county-tiered income limits ($118,000–$166,800 depending on program).
*Income limits are updated annually. Contact us for current limits.
Your City Decides Your Program
Salt Lake County has no single county-wide program. The address you buy at determines which one you can apply for.
*These are separate programs with separate funding and separate rules, not amounts that add together. Actual amounts vary by program and availability.
DPA Programs by Salt Lake County City
There is no single SLC County DPA program. Eligibility, amount, and forgiveness terms depend on the city. Verify current funding directly with the administering office before relying on any single program.
| City | Primary DPA Program | Amount & Structure |
|---|---|---|
| Salt Lake City | NeighborWorks SL (SLC program) + SLC Community Land Trust | NWSL out of funds 2026; CLT waitlist full, UHC statewide only |
| West Valley City | West Valley City Grant + Chenoa Fund | $14,999 grant; Chenoa cycle opens 5/1/26 |
| West Jordan | Own in Salt Lake County + UHC | City program discontinued; $20K deferred via the county |
| South Jordan | South Jordan RDA DPA | 7.5% / max $20K, 10-yr forgivable |
| Midvale | Midvale City DPA (NeighborWorks SL) | $25K standard / $30K residents + employees, 5-yr forgivable |
| Murray | NeighborWorks Salt Lake (Murray program) | Out of funds 2026, UHC statewide only |
| Draper | Own in Salt Lake County (CDC Utah) | $20K deferred |
| Herriman | Own in Salt Lake County (CDC Utah) | $20K deferred |
| Riverton | Own in Salt Lake County (CDC Utah) | $20K deferred |
| Bluffdale | Own in Salt Lake County (CDC Utah) | $20K deferred |
| Cottonwood Heights | Own in Salt Lake County (CDC Utah) | $20K deferred |
| Holladay | Own in Salt Lake County (CDC Utah) | $20K deferred |
| Millcreek | Own in Salt Lake County (CDC Utah) | $20K deferred |
| South Salt Lake | Own in Salt Lake County (CDC Utah) | $20K deferred |
| Alta | Own in Salt Lake County (CDC Utah) | $20K deferred |
| Sandy / Taylorsville / Magna / Kearns / Brighton | No dedicated city DPA documented | UHC statewide DPA only (up to 6% / $27.5K cap) |
UHC statewide DPA (up to 6% / $27,500 cap) is available in everySalt Lake County city, on a UHC first mortgage. Whether it can be used alongside one of the city or county programs above depends on that program's rules and your lender. Contact us for what applies at your address.
How to Apply
Check Eligibility
Verify your income falls within limits and you haven't owned a home in 3 years.
Complete Homebuyer Education
Take a HUD-approved course (online or in-person) and obtain your certificate.
Get Pre-Approved
Work with a lender familiar with county grant programs to get pre-approved.
Find Your Home
Search for properties within Salt Lake County meeting program requirements.
Submit Application
Apply for the grant through the county housing authority with required documentation.
Close on Home
Complete the purchase with grant funds applied to your down payment/closing costs.
Exploring Salt Lake County
Cities, parks, and schools across the valley, hover a pin to learn more
Featured Cities
- Salt Lake City
State capital with vibrant arts, dining, and historic neighborhoods.
- West Jordan
Largest suburb, excellent schools, parks, and freeway access.
- Sandy
Base of Big Cottonwood Canyon; family-friendly with top-rated schools.
- South Jordan
Daybreak's master-planned community with modern amenities.
- Murray
Centrally located with a growing dining and medical scene.
- Draper
Tech corridor city with breathtaking Wasatch Front views.
Parks & Outdoors
- Liberty Park
SLC's crown jewel: 100 acres with lake, trails, and free concerts.
- Jordan Park
Peaceful riverside park along the Jordan River Parkway.
- Dimple Dell Park
Sandy's secluded canyon trail system for hikers and mountain bikers.
- Big Cottonwood Canyon
Year-round outdoor destination: skiing, hiking, and camping.
- Butterfield Park
South Jordan's popular park with splash pad and sports fields.
Schools & Education
- Skyline High School
Consistently high-ranking SLC school with robust AP offerings.
- Jordan High School
Sandy landmark school with strong academics and athletics.
- Herriman High School
Modern campus serving the booming southwest valley.
- Alta High School
Sandy school celebrated for the arts and community involvement.
- Cottonwood High School
Murray-area school with diverse programs and a strong alumni network.
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Which Salt Lake County program covers your address?
The Own in Salt Lake County program funds on a first-come, first-served basis. If you're buying in Salt Lake County, it's worth finding out if you qualify before the funds run out.