01 Borrowing & leverage Reviewed 30 August 2026

Loan-to-value ratio

LVR

The loan amount as a percentage of the property value used by the lender.

01 / Plain English

What LVR means

LVR tells you how much of the property is debt-funded. A 75% LVR means the loan equals three-quarters of the lender’s property value.

02 / Worked example

How it is calculated

(Loan amount ÷ lender property value) × 100

Loan $450,000 Property value $600,000 LVR 75%

$450,000 ÷ $600,000 × 100 = 75% LVR

03 / Decision context

Why it matters

Lenders use LVR when assessing the risk of a home or investment loan. It can affect the deposit required, loan pricing and whether lender’s mortgage insurance applies.

Take the next step

A definition cannot see your position. Heyward can.

Start with: “What does my current LVR mean for my borrowing headroom?”

Ask Heyward
04

Sources

Primary & official where available
  1. ASIC Moneysmart Loan to value ratio (LVR)
  2. ASIC Moneysmart Save for a house deposit

General educational information only. It does not account for your objectives, financial situation, legal position or tax circumstances.