Property Ownership and Investment

Loan-to-Value Ratio (LTV)

The ratio of a loan amount to a property's appraised value — the figure that directly determines how much cash equity you need to bring to close a purchase.

Home Glossary Property Ownership and Investment Loan-to-Value Ratio (LTV)
Definition

The loan-to-value ratio (LTV) is the ratio of a loan amount to a property's appraised value or purchase price, used by lenders to assess risk and determine maximum available financing. Industrial property LTV maximums typically range from 65% to 75%, meaning a buyer needs to contribute the remaining 25% to 35% as equity, though this varies by lender, property type, and borrower qualifications.

LTV and equity requirement relationship

LTVEquity requirement (as % of value)
65%35% down payment
70%30% down payment
75%25% down payment

What to watch for before committing

Lender-specific LTV maximums

Confirm the specific maximum LTV your target lender offers, since this varies by lender, property type, and market conditions.

Appraised value vs purchase price basis

Understand whether LTV is calculated against appraised value or purchase price, since a difference between the two affects your actual financing outcome.

Interaction with DSCR requirements

Recognize that both LTV and DSCR requirements apply simultaneously — whichever produces a lower loan amount typically governs.

Property type and tenant risk factors

Understand how property-specific risk factors, like single-tenant concentration or building age, might affect the LTV a lender is willing to offer.

Total equity capital planning

Calculate your total required equity capital based on realistic LTV assumptions before committing to a specific acquisition.

Refinancing LTV considerations

For existing properties, understand how current appraised value and LTV requirements affect potential refinancing proceeds.

When you need to know this

  • Planning equity capital for an acquisition — calculating required down payment based on realistic LTV assumptions
  • Comparing financing options across lenders — understanding how LTV maximums vary and affect your capital needs
  • Evaluating refinancing potential — assessing how current property value and LTV limits affect available proceeds
  • Structuring an investment with partners — determining total equity capital requirements for a specific acquisition

Frequently asked questions

What is loan-to-value ratio (LTV)? +
LTV is the ratio of a loan amount to a property's appraised value or purchase price, used by lenders to assess risk and determine maximum available financing.
What is a typical LTV for industrial real estate? +
Industrial property LTV maximums typically range from 65% to 75%, though this varies by lender, property type, tenant credit, and borrower qualifications.
How much down payment do I need based on LTV? +
The down payment equals the percentage not covered by the loan — for example, a 70% LTV loan requires a 30% down payment relative to the property's value.
Does LTV work together with DSCR in loan sizing? +
Yes, lenders typically apply both LTV and DSCR requirements simultaneously, with whichever constraint produces the lower loan amount ultimately governing the actual financing offered.

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