How is the loan-to-value ratio expressed?

The loan-to-value (LTV) ratio is a financial term used primarily in the context of mortgage lending. It is expressed as a comparison of the loan amount to the appraised value or purchase price of the property, whichever is lower. This ratio indicates the risk level in relation to the financing of a property; lenders often use it to assess the likelihood of a borrower defaulting.

When the loan amount is divided by the property's value and then multiplied by 100, it provides a percentage that reflects how much of the property’s value is financed through debt. For example, if a borrower takes a loan of $200,000 for a property valued at $250,000, the LTV ratio would be calculated as ($200,000 / $250,000) * 100, which equals 80%. A higher LTV ratio suggests a higher risk for lenders as it indicates that the borrower has less equity in the property.

Other options do not appropriately define the LTV ratio. For instance, referring to property taxes or maintenance costs does not relate to the financial risk associated with loans. Similarly, the equity percentage after property appreciation pertains to the owner's investment over time, rather than the immediate loan-to-value assessment in the lending context. Therefore,