What does a higher combined loan to value (CLTV) ratio indicate?

A higher combined loan to value (CLTV) ratio indicates greater financial risk primarily because it signifies that a borrower is financing a larger proportion of their property's value through debt. When the CLTV ratio increases, it reflects that the individual has less equity in the property. This situation poses a greater risk to lenders since a higher debt load can result in a higher likelihood of default, especially if the market values decline or the borrower experiences financial difficulties.

Lenders typically view higher CLTV ratios as a sign that a borrower may have less ability to absorb financial setbacks. Since CLTV is a key metric in assessing a borrower's risk profile, a higher ratio can lead to stricter lending conditions, such as higher interest rates or a need for mortgage insurance. Therefore, understanding the implications of a higher CLTV is crucial for assessing financial risk in mortgage lending.