Veterans Loan and Grant Programs
Veteran Home Loans, Grants, and Utah Tax Relief
Veterans and service members buying a home in Utah may have access to several different benefits. Eligibility depends on the program, and a home loan, a grant, and a property tax exemption each have their own application process.
VA Home Loans
A VA-backed home loan may allow an eligible buyer to purchase a primary residence with no down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance. The buyer must qualify for a VA Certificate of Eligibility and meet the lender’s credit, income, and property requirements. A VA loan is financing that must be repaid; it is not a grant.
Some borrowers must pay a one-time VA funding fee. Veterans receiving VA compensation for a service-connected disability are generally exempt from that fee. Learn more at https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans/.
Utah Veteran First-Time Homebuyer Grant
Utah offers a $2,500 grant for eligible first-time homebuyers who are current service members or Veterans who separated within the past five years. Applicants must be eligible for a VA Home Loan Certificate of Eligibility. The Utah home must be their primary residence, and applications must be submitted before closing. Funding is subject to availability.
The grant is administered by the Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs, not by Veterans Real Properties. Check the current requirements and application deadlines at https://veterans.utah.gov/first-time-homebuyer-grant/.
Housing Adaptation Grants
The VA offers housing adaptation grants to some Veterans and service members with specific qualifying service-connected disabilities. These grants may help pay to buy, build, or modify a home for accessibility. A disability rating by itself does not establish eligibility; the VA determines whether the particular disability qualifies. Details are at https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/disability-housing-grants/.
Utah Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption
Utah Veterans with a service-connected disability rating of at least 10% may qualify for a reduction in the taxable value of their residence. The benefit depends on the disability rating and the applicable exemption limit; it is not automatically a waiver of the entire property tax bill. Eligible unmarried surviving spouses and minor orphans may also qualify.
Apply through the county where the property is located and provide proof of military service and disability. For forms and current limits, visit https://tax.utah.gov/propertytax/tax-relief/ or contact your county tax relief office. Qualifying active or reserve service members who served outside Utah may be eligible for a separate primary-residence property tax exemption.
Program terms, funding, and tax limits can change. Confirm current eligibility with the VA, the Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs, or your county before relying on a benefit.