Utah Residential Real Estate FAQ
General Questions
What is the current state of the Utah housing market?
As of 2025, Utah is experiencing a neutral housing market. Homes stay on the market for around 50–55 days, with a median home sale price of about $635,000. The market varies widely between regions such as Salt Lake City, Provo, and St. George.
What should I know before buying a home in Utah?
Buyers should assess their financial readiness, check their credit score, and obtain preapproval from a mortgage lender before shopping for homes. Utah’s competitive markets often see multiple offers, especially in the Wasatch Front area.
How long does it take to close on a home in Utah?
Most closings take about 30–45 days from the date the offer is accepted, depending on factors like inspections, financing, and title processing timelines.
Buying a Home
What are the key steps to buying a house in Utah?
There are five main steps:
- Get preapproved for a mortgage.
- Shop for homes in your budget.
- Make an offer and negotiate terms.
- Complete due diligence (home inspection, appraisal, and loan underwriting).
- Close the transaction by signing final paperwork.
Do I need a home inspection in Utah?
Yes. Home inspections are highly recommended and typically cost $200–$270. Utah buyers should also consider radon and termite inspections, which are common due to soil conditions and geography.
Are there down payment assistance programs?
Yes. Utah offers multiple first-time buyer assistance programs, including options for down payment and closing cost help. Many are administered at the county or city level.
Selling a Home
What disclosures are required from home sellers in Utah?
Utah law requires sellers to complete a Seller’s Property Condition Disclosure form. This includes known issues with electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems, structural problems, past water damage, and pest history. Sellers must also provide a Lead Paint Disclosure for older homes. However, sellers do not need to disclose deaths or crimes that occurred on the property unless asked directly by the buyer.
What are typical selling costs in Utah?
Common costs include the agent commission, title and escrow fees, potential home repairs, and closing costs such as prorated taxes or HOA fees.
Property and Taxes
How much are property taxes in Utah?
Property taxes vary by county but generally range between 0.5% and 0.9% of a property’s assessed value. Buyers should verify exact rates before purchasing.
Are there special considerations for land purchases in Utah?
Yes. Before buying land, investigate past boundary disputes, access easements, available utilities, and zoning regulations.
Utah Residential Real Estate FAQ
1. What is the current state of the Utah housing market?
Utah’s housing market in 2025 is considered neutral, meaning neither buyers nor sellers have a decisive advantage.
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The median sale price statewide is about $635,000.
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Homes spend around 50–65 days on the market.
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Competition is highest in urban centers like Salt Lake City and Provo.
2. What should I know before buying a home in Utah?
Successful buyers should:
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Assess finances: Know your budget and savings; a traditional 20% down payment is recommended though FHA and VA loans may allow less (Down Payment Assistance Programs).
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Get preapproved: This shows sellers you’re serious and speeds up the process
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Work with a local agent: Agents bring market knowledge and negotiating power (Find an agent).
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Prepare for radon and termite inspections: Utah soil can pose risks—learn about these in your due diligence.
3. How long does it take to close on a home in Utah?
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Closing times range from 30–45 days after your offer is accepted.
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Factors influencing this include mortgage approval, inspections, and title work.
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Cash buyers can sometimes close in as little as a week.
4. What are the key steps to buying a house in Utah?
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Get preapproved (Guide)
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Search for homes (Affordable cities overview)
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Make an offer (Crafting offers)
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Due diligence (Inspections, appraisals — more at Complete due diligence)
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Close the transaction (Utah closing process)
A breakdown is found here: Utah Home Buyer Steps.
5. Do I need a home inspection in Utah?
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Home inspection costs: $203–$270.
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Common Utah issues: Snow damage, earthquake risks (Wasatch fault), insulation problems, high radon levels.
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Additional tests: Termite ($85) and radon (~free from Utah government).
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More details: Inspection guidance and Utah-specific due diligence.
6. Are there down payment assistance programs?
Utah has several programs:
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CDCU “Own in” DPA, Own in Ogden: Up to $15,000-$20,000 for qualifying buyers.
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Chenoa Fund: FHA down payment assistance, statewide availability.
7. What disclosures are required from home sellers in Utah?
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Seller’s Property Condition Disclosure Form is mandatory.
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Include known electrical, plumbing, HVAC, pest, structural & water damage.
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Lead Paint Disclosure for pre-1978 homes.
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Death or crime disclosure only if asked directly by the buyer.
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Transparent disclosures prevent legal issues (Seller Disclosure guidance).
8. What are typical selling costs in Utah?
Expect:
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Agent commissions (negotiable, typically split 6%)Seller Q&A
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Title & escrow fees, repair/improvement costs
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Closing costs (title insurance, HOA dues, transfer taxes)
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Optionally: Home warranty ($300–$700)
Details covered here: Selling costs overview
9. What do I need to rent a home or apartment in Utah?
Applicants should:
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Be at least 18 years old.
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Submit pay stubs/bank statements, ID, references.
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Pay a non-refundable application fee (about $45).
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Expect credit/background checks.
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Pay security deposit (often one month’s rent) and first month up front.
Landlord-specific FAQs: Resident FAQ
10. How much are property taxes in Utah?
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Rates vary: Generally 0.5%–0.9% of assessed value.
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Ranges widely by county/city and land use.
For specifics: County Assessors in Utah
11. Are there special considerations for buying land in Utah?
Ask about:
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Previous boundary disputes/surveys
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Zoning and permitted land uses
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Utility access (water, sewer, electric, gas)
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Environmental risks like flood/fire zones
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Planned developments impacting value
Full checklist: 11 Questions Before Buying Land