skip to log on skip to main content
VoiceOver users please use the tab key when navigating expanded menus
Article related to:

Understanding home loans

What’s a Loan to Value Ratio (LVR)?

ANZ

Loan to Value Ratio is one of those things you’ll hear about a lot in the world of home loans. It’s important because it may affect your borrowing power. So what is LVR? 

Loan to Value Ratio (LVR) is how lenders describe the amount you need to borrow to buy a particular property. In a nutshell: it’s the amount you need to borrow, calculated as a percentage of the property’s 'lender-assessed value'.

The ‘lender-assessed value’ is basically your lender’s valuation of the property.

Let’s break it down a bit more. Here’s an example: 

  • Let’s say your lender values the property at $500,000
  • Let’s also say you have a $100,000 deposit
  • This means you need to borrow $400,000 to buy the property. 

Your LVR would be calculated like this:

$400,000 ÷ $500,000 = 80%

In the above example, we’ve simplified things by leaving out some of the fees and costs you might have to pay – but more about those later.

So now you know how your LVR is calculated. So far, so good. But what does it mean when it comes to your borrowing power?

Video1

Generally, the lower the LVR, the better

Why is a low LVR considered better? From the lender’s perspective, a lower LVR generally carries less risk.

A lower LVR may also be good news because you’ll be off to a head start when it comes to owning your home. If your LVR is lower, you will have more equity in your home right from the start. (Equity is the market value of your property, minus the amount of your loan you still have to repay.)

Another potential benefit of a lower LVR is that you may be able to get a lower home loan interest rate than the interest rate that would be applicable with a higher LVR. With an ANZ Simplicity PLUS home loan, interest rates start from 4.84% p.a. (4.85% p.a. comparison rate) with special offer discountdisclaimer when borrowing 70% or less of the property valuedisclaimer.

See Simplicity PLUS home loan rates

What happens when your LVR is over 80%?

When it comes to LVR, 80% is widely considered the tipping point. As soon as your LVR tips over 80%, the cost of getting a home loan may start to increase. This is because borrowers with a LVR of over 80% may be required to pay for Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI)

LMI protects the lender if you default on your home loan and there’s a shortfall following the sale of the property. Even though you’ll be the one paying the insurance premium, LMI won't provide you with protection. It only protects the lender.

Generally speaking, the higher your LVR, the more LMI will cost.

You need to make sure you understand LMI before deciding if it’s a good idea for you. Everyone’s circumstances are different, so learn as much as you can and consider the alternatives.

Read our article on Lenders Mortgage Insurance to learn more about ‘LMI’, ‘shortfall’ and the possible consequences.

A word about fees and costs

There are a few upfront fees and costs you may have to pay when buying a house. If you haven’t taken these costs into account, you may end up having less money left for your deposit. The less you have for your deposit, the higher your LVR will be.

Read our article on the unexpected costs of buying a house to find out more.

To sum up 

  • Loan to Value Ratio (LVR) is calculated by dividing the loan amount by the lender-assessed value of the property.
  • Generally speaking, most lenders consider a LVR of 80% or more as being risky.
  • If the LVR is higher than 80%, you may need to pay for Lenders Mortgage Insurance.
anzcomau:content-hubs/home-owners-tips-guides/understanding-home-loans
What’s a Loan to Value Ratio (LVR)?
Home Loans Specialist
ANZ
/content/dam/anzcomau/images/home-loans/2023-07/couple-property-listing.jpg

Related articles

  • Understanding home loans

    Jargon buster

    Home Loans Specialist ANZ

    Buying your first home can feel like you’ve stepped into a world where everyone speaks a foreign language. Use this jargon buster to look up terms and phrases you may come across along the way. You can also talk to one of our ANZ First Home Coaches. They

Connect with our home loan specialists or apply

Need to speak to a specialist?

Provide us with your details and one of our home loan specialists will get in touch. They can discuss issues including:

  • Applying for a home loan
  • Managing your existing loan
  • Refinancing your home loan
  • Interest rate enquiry

As well as any other home loan queries you may have.

clock icon

Call back time is 1-3 business days.

Request a call back

 

Quick start application

Begin your home loan application journey by providing details about:

  • You
  • Your financial situation
  • The loan you're applying for

One of our home loan specialists will then be in touch to progress with your application.

clock icon

Call back time is 1-3 business days.

Apply online

 

Call us

Monday - Friday 8am to 8pm (Sydney/Melbourne time)

1800 100 641  

 

Other ways to get in touch

Meet with a mobile lenderdisclaimer

Book a branch appointment

Book a First Home Buyer Coach

You can also chat to an ANZ accredited broker for help with your home buying, investing or refinancing needs.

The information on this page does not take into account your personal needs and financial circumstances and you should consider whether it is appropriate for you and read the relevant terms and conditionsProduct Disclosure Statement and the ANZ Financial Services Guide (PDF) before acquiring any product. 

Applications for credit subject to approval. Terms and conditions available on application. Fees and charges apply. Australian credit licence number 234527.

ANZ Mobile Lenders operate as an independently operated ANZ Mortgage Solutions franchise of Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ANZ) ABN 11 005 357 522. Australian Credit Licence Number 234527.

Return

The rate shown is the Simplicity PLUS Home Loan index less the applicable special offer discount. Rates are subject to change. Eligibility criteria apply to special offer discounts, including $50,000 or more in new or additional ANZ lending. Offers can be withdrawn or changed anytime.

Return

Property value is ANZ's valuation of the security property and may be different to the price you pay for a property.

Return
Top