In mortgage lending, what does the term "loan-to-value" (LTV) refer to?

The term "loan-to-value" (LTV) is a crucial concept in mortgage lending as it indicates the percentage of a loan in relation to the appraised value of the property being purchased or refinanced. Specifically, LTV is calculated by dividing the loan amount by the property's value and then multiplying by 100 to get a percentage. This figure is significant because it helps lenders assess risk: a higher LTV ratio indicates that the borrower is financing a larger portion of the property's value, which can be seen as riskier. Lenders often set maximum LTV thresholds to mitigate potential losses in the event of default, meaning borrowers may need to provide a larger down payment if their LTV exceeds a certain level. Understanding LTV is fundamental for both borrowers and lenders in the mortgage process, as it impacts loan terms, pricing, and overall financing feasibility.