Loan-To-Value Ratio (LVR)

What Is LVR?

LVR is an acronym for Loan-To-Value Ratio and is also sometimes referred to as ‘LTV’.

The LVR is the amount you are borrowing against the property value being used as security, represented as a percentage.

How Do I Calculate LVR

You calculate the LVR is calculated by dividing the loan amount by the actual purchase price or valuation of the property, then multiplying it by 100.

For example, let’s say that you’d like to borrow $240,000 and the property you’re using as security is valued at $300,000.

The LVR of the home loan would be calculated like this:

($240,000 loan ÷ $300,000 property value) x 100 = 80% LVR

Have you used any of the other mortgage calculators?

Some may apply to your situation.

Call us on 1300 889 743 or complete our free online assessment form to find out what your LVR means for your ability to borrow.

Do I Use The Valuation Or Purchase Price?

If the purchase price is different from the valuation, then the lender and their mortgage insurer will use the lower of the two to determine the LVR.

This is common in off-the-plan purchases, where the value may have increased or decreased since the date when the contract was signed.

The other common situation where the purchase price and bank valuation are different is when someone is buying a property from a family member at a discounted price.

This is otherwise known as a favourable purchase.

We have some lenders that can calculate the LVR by using the valuation instead of the purchase price.

However, they will do this only if the Contract of Sale to purchase the property was signed more than three months prior to the date that you apply for the loan.

Further, most lenders require the contract to be over 12 months old.

For example, you buy a unit off-the-plan for $300,000. When you need to settle the unit, 12 months later, the valuation is $360,000.

In this situation, most lenders would calculate the LVR based on the bank valuation.

This may result in a lower LMI premium or may mean that you do not need LMI at all.

Please note that your perception of the value may be different from that of the bank’s valuer.

In most cases, the actual value is somewhere in between your estimate and the bank’s valuation.

We can order a valuation with several different lenders to help you maximise your borrowing power.

Are you wondering where to start your home buying journey? Use our first-home buyers guide to get you started.

Will My Property Need A Valuation?

As a general rule, the bank will not value your property and will adopt the price on the Contract of Sale to calculate your LVR if you meet the below requirements:

• Your loan is at or below 80% LVR.
• You’re purchasing the property.
• Your loan is under $800,000.
• You have provided full evidence of your income.
• Your property is in a capital city or major regional centre.
• The purchase is through a licensed real estate agent.
• The property is not a new dwelling (off the plan or new building).
• You are not related to the vendor.

Does LVR Affect Your Borrowing Power?

Yes, it does.

Lenders place a large emphasis on the LVR when assessing your loan application. The lower the LVR, the lower the risk is to the bank, hence you’re likely to get better rates with a low-LVR home loan.

A low LVR usually means you’ve saved up a larger deposit.

What Is The Maximum LVR That I Can Borrow?

The LVR that the banks will allow you to borrow depends on the home loan amount you need, the location of your property, your credit history and the type of loan you are applying for.

Generally, full-doc applicants (income evidence provided) can borrow up to 80% LVR.

However, stronger applicants can potentially borrow between 90% and 95% LVR.

Low-doc applicants (self-employed with no income evidence) can borrow up to 60% and possibly up to 80% LVR if they’re in a strong financial position.

Is It Possible To Borrow 100% LVR?

One option for borrowers who need to borrow at a high LVR is to have a guarantor support the application.

The guarantor can be a family member or a friend that has ownership and equity in another property.

In guaranteeing the loan, they put up a portion of their property to secure a portion of the home loan.

This enables you to borrow 100% LVR.

If the property value increases or you make extra repayments on your loan, the guarantor may no longer be required.

This is because the LVR would then be low enough for the banks to accept it, without the need for additional security.

Without a guarantor, it’s impossible to borrow 100% LVR.

However, there are other no-deposit home loan options available where you’re not required to have a deposit that you’ve saved yourself.

Why Would My Bank Restrict My LVR?

The banks use the LVR to manage the risk of the loan applications they receive.

If you’re a high-risk borrower, the bank may put a cap on your maximum LVR to reduce the risk of your home loan.

For example, you may apply for pre-approval to buy a home for $500,000, with a loan of $475,000 (95% LVR).

However, if you have a default on your credit file, you may only be able to borrow as little as 90% or 80% LVR.

The lender may also reduce your Loan to Value Ratio because the property you are purchasing may be difficult to sell.

Your LVR will be reduced if you’re buying a property:

• That is relatively unique
• In a remote location
• That has restrictions on it such as heritage-listed properties, serviced apartments and display homes
• That may be a combination of the above and likely take more than six months to sell

Discuss Your Home Loan LVR Options

Your LVR is an important consideration for lenders. You can seek the help of a mortgage expert to find out what loans you are eligible for.

Please complete our free assessment form or contact us on 1300 889 743 and our mortgage brokers will provide you with expert guidance on the LVR of your loan.