Loan-to-value ratio
The loan-to-value (LTV) ratio is one of the main risk assessment measures used by lenders to assess a person's suitability for a mortgage.
The loan-to-value (LTV) ratio is one of the main risk assessment measures used by lenders to assess a person's suitability for a mortgage. It expresses the loan amount as a percentage of either the purchase price of property or its appraised value.
For example, if you put down a deposit of 30% on a property, the LTV would be 70%. Or, if you're buying a property for £300,000 and the mortgage amount is £240,000, the LTV is 80% (the £240,000 loan divided by the £300,000 purchase price).
The higher the LTV ratio, the less likely a mortgage will be approved as it will be deemed high risk. This is because if borrowers have small equity, they have less to lose and are more likely to default on the mortgage.
Subscribe to MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE
Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
-
Stop inheritance tax perk on pensions, says IFS
The government could raise billions of pounds in revenue by closing inheritance tax loopholes, such as on pensions and AIM shares. Is your pension at risk?
By Ruth Emery Published
-
Revealed: Best buy-to-let property hotspots in the UK
Looking for the best buy-to-let property locations in the UK? We reveal the top 10 postcodes with the strongest rental returns
By Oojal Dhanjal Published