LTV (Loan-to-Value Ratio): Mortgage Meaning Guide Skip to main content

Mortgage Definition

LTV (Loan-to-Value Ratio)

The ratio of your mortgage amount to the home's value. An 80% LTV means you borrowed 80% of the home's value (20% down payment). Lower LTV often means better loan terms.

Data as of Jan 2026
Data sources Editorial policy

Why it matters

This concept influences either your monthly payment, your upfront cash requirements, or your risk profile over time. Knowing the definition helps you make cleaner rent-vs-buy decisions.

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