For buyers with solid credit and stable income, a Conventional Loan is often the most cost-effective path to homeownership in Utah. Most of Utah’s 29 counties follow the $832,750 national conforming baseline — consistent and predictable across the Wasatch Front, Utah Valley, St. George, and the state’s many growing communities. Two counties stand out significantly: Summit County (Park City area) carries the $1,249,125 national high-cost ceiling, and Wasatch County (Heber City, Midway) also carries an elevated limit reflecting the Wasatch Back’s extraordinary appreciation.
Utah Housing Corporation’s NoMI Loan — a conventional product with no private mortgage insurance — and the HFA Advantage program pair directly with conventional financing to provide reduced costs and DPA access for eligible buyers.
620; 700+ for the best rates
As low as 3% for first-time buyers; 5% for repeat buyers; 20% eliminates PMI
Generally up to 45%
$832,750 in most UT counties; $1,249,125 in Summit County; elevated in Wasatch County (2026)
Primary residences, second homes, and investment properties
Documented, verifiable income required
Most Counties ($832,750): Applies to Salt Lake, Utah
(Provo/Orem/Lehi), Davis (Hill AFB area), Weber (Ogden), Washington (St. George), Box Elder, Cache (Logan), and most rural counties.
Summit County ($1,249,125): Encompasses Park City, Deer Valley, Kamas, Coalville, and Oakley — one of the most expensive resort real estate markets in the country, at the national high-cost ceiling.
Wasatch County (elevated): Encompasses Heber City, Midway, and the Deer Creek Reservoir area — elevated limit reflecting the Wasatch Back’s resort-driven appreciation. Your Bookspan Baker loan officer can confirm the exact 2026 figure.
Salt Lake County: Carries an elevated conventional conforming limit above the $832,750 baseline reflecting the metro’s sustained
appreciation.
NoMI Loan: A conventional loan with no private mortgage insurance — reducing monthly costs meaningfully. Available to qualifying buyers with minimum 680 credit score. Pairs with DPA Second loan (up to 5%).
HFA Advantage (Freddie Mac): Lower mortgage insurance costs through the Freddie Mac HFA Advantage structure. Available to first-time and repeat buyers meeting income guidelines. Pairs with DPA Second assistance.
| Feature | Conventional Loan | FHA Loan |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Credit Score |
620 |
500 (580 for 3.5% down) |
|
Minimum Down Payment |
3% (first-time buyers) |
3.5% (score 580+) |
|
Mortgage Insurance |
PMI; removable at 20% equity |
MIP; lifetime in most cases |
|
Upfront Insurance Fee |
None |
1.75% UFMIP |
|
Investment Properties |
Yes |
No (primary residence only) |
| Most UT Counties Limit | $832,750 | $541,287 |
| Summit County Limit | $1,249,125 | $1,163,800 |
$1,249,125 — the national high-cost ceiling. Summit County is one of the most expensive resort real estate markets in the country, justifying the maximum high-cost conforming limit.
$832,750 — the national baseline. Applies to Salt Lake, Utah, Davis, Weber, Washington, and most other counties.
Yes. UHC’s NoMI Loan and HFA Advantage are conventional products that pair with the DPA Second loan. The NoMI product eliminates PMI entirely.
Yes, for primary residences and second homes within Summit County’s $1,249,125 limit. Properties above that threshold require Jumbo financing.
