What is a Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio?
The Loan-to-Value ratio is a comparison of your outstanding loan balance to the current market value of the asset (property or vehicle) used as collateral. It is expressed as a percentage. For example, a $200,000 loan on a $250,000 home gives an LTV of 80%. See also our Personal Loan Calculator.
How do you calculate the LTV ratio?
The formula is simple: LTV = (Loan Amount ÷ Property Value) × 100. Divide your current loan balance by the appraised or market value of the asset, then multiply by 100 to express it as a percentage.
What is a good LTV ratio for a mortgage?
For mortgages, an LTV of 80% or below is generally considered good. It typically means you can avoid Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) and may qualify for more competitive interest rates. Lenders view lower LTV ratios as lower risk.
What does it mean if my LTV is over 100%?
An LTV over 100% means you owe more on your loan than the asset is currently worth — this is known as negative equity, or being 'upside down' or 'underwater' on your loan. This situation can limit your refinancing options and may require you to pay down the balance before qualifying for a new loan.
Why is LTV important for lenders?
LTV is a key risk metric for lenders. The higher the LTV, the more risk the lender takes on, since a lower equity cushion means less protection if the borrower defaults. A lower LTV signals a more financially stable borrower and often results in better loan terms and interest rates.
What can I do if my LTV is too high?
To reduce a high LTV, you can make extra payments to lower your loan balance, wait for property appreciation to increase the asset's value, or make a larger down payment if you haven't yet taken the loan. For mortgages, reaching an LTV of 80% allows you to request PMI cancellation.
How does LTV affect Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)?
If your mortgage LTV exceeds 80%, most conventional lenders require you to pay PMI, which protects the lender in case of default. Once your LTV drops to 80% or below — through payments or appreciation — you can typically request PMI removal, reducing your monthly costs.