What does a higher loan to value ratio indicate?

A higher loan-to-value (LTV) ratio is a critical metric used by lenders to assess the risk associated with a mortgage loan. When the LTV ratio is high, it implies that a borrower is financing a larger portion of the property's value with a loan, and consequently, they have less equity in the property. This situation indicates a higher perceived risk for the lender for several reasons.

First, borrowers with lower equity may be more likely to default on their loans, as they have less financial stake in the property. If they encounter financial difficulties, they might prioritize other expenses over their mortgage payments because they have fewer consequences to face in losing a larger investment.

Additionally, a higher LTV can indicate a potential decline in the property’s value. If the market value of the home decreases and the borrower has a high LTV, the lender risks facing losses if the home must be repossessed and sold in a down market.

In summary, a high loan-to-value ratio reflects a situation where the borrower has a small amount of equity, which is a key factor leading lenders to perceive this as a higher risk scenario.