Utah Mortgage Guides 2026
This complete Utah mortgage guide covers FHA loan limits by county (from $541,287 up to $1,163,800 in Summit and Wasatch counties), Utah Housing Corporation down payment assistance, USDA rural loans, VA financing, no state transfer tax, and a complete closing cost breakdown — all in one place.
Everything You Need for a Utah Home Purchase
Six in-depth guides covering every aspect of getting a mortgage in Utah — from loan program selection to what you’ll pay at closing.
Utah Mortgage Guide
FHA loan limits by county, loan programs available, Utah Housing Corporation assistance, property tax exemptions, closing costs, and the 2026 Utah housing market overview.
Read guide →Utah First-Time Home Buyer Guide
Utah Housing FirstHome Loan, Down Payment Assistance second mortgages, the New Construction Program Assistance, and income limits by county.
Read guide →Utah FHA Loan Requirements
2026 FHA limits range from $541,287 in most counties to $1,163,800 in Summit and Wasatch counties. Compare county-by-county FHA limits across Utah.
Read guide →Utah VA Loan Requirements
VA loan benefits for Utah veterans — no down payment, no PMI, competitive rates, and how VA financing compares to Utah Housing programs.
Read guide →Utah USDA Loans
USDA-eligible rural areas outside the Wasatch Front — income limits and property eligibility explained for Utah’s rural counties.
Read guide →Utah Closing Costs Guide
Utah has no real estate transfer tax — see what buyers and sellers actually pay at closing, including title insurance and escrow fees.
Read guide →Key Utah Mortgage Guide Facts
FHA Loan Limits (2026)
- Most counties (16 of 29): $541,287
- Salt Lake and Tooele counties (Salt Lake City-Murray MSA): $637,100
- Summit and Wasatch counties (Heber, UT MSA): $1,163,800 — the state’s high-cost peak
- 12 more counties sit between the floor and ceiling — confirm yours at HUD’s official lookup
Down Payment Assistance
- Utah Housing Corporation FirstHome Loan: lowest rate, first-time buyers only, 660 min credit score
- DPA second mortgage: Deferred option (3.5% of loan, max $27,500, no monthly payment) or Traditional option (6% of loan, max $27,500, with monthly payment)
- New Construction Program Assistance: up to $20,000 for eligible first-time buyers (state-funded, limited allocation)
- Current terms and income limits by county at utahhousingcorp.org
Property Taxes
- Primary residence exemption: 45% of fair market value is exempt from taxation
- Taxable value is just 55% of your home’s market value once the exemption is applied
- Must occupy the home as your primary residence 183+ consecutive days per year to qualify
- Governed by Utah Constitution Art. XIII §3 and Utah Code §§59-2-102/103 — see Utah State Tax Commission
Closing Costs
- Buyer closing costs: 2–3% of purchase price (Est.)
- No state or county real estate transfer tax — Utah is one of a small number of states that charges none
- Title insurance and escrow customs vary by county — confirm who customarily pays with your title company
- No mortgage tax or intangible tax in Utah
Buying or Refinancing in Utah?
Utah offers unique advantages — Utah Housing Corporation down payment assistance, a generous 45% primary residence property tax exemption, no state transfer tax, and access to FHA, VA, and USDA financing across the state. Our guides above break down all of it, and every figure links to the official source so you can verify current terms.
- ✓ Check FirstHome and Down Payment Assistance eligibility at utahhousingcorp.org
- ✓ Confirm your county’s 2026 FHA limit with HUD’s lookup tool
- ✓ Understand your primary residence exemption before you budget escrow
- ✓ Estimate total cash to close with our closing cost guide
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