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An Overview of Loan-to-value Ratio for Mortgages in Hong Kong

Blog | February 28, 2024

The maximum loan-to-value ratio (LTV ratio) for mortgages provided by banks depends on the property value. The actual approved loan-to-value ratio varies based on stress testing, property valuation, the borrower’s financial condition and the property type.

LTV ratios differ between first-time and non-first-time homebuyers, as well as for private properties, village houses and public housing. Spacious consolidated a summary to show the caps of LTV ratios in various conditions.


Jump to: LTV Caps for Private Estates | LTV Caps for Village Houses | LTV Caps for Subsidised Housing | FAQ



Latest Update:

– The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has suspended the interest rate stress testing requirement for property mortgage lending that assumes a 200-basis-point rise in the mortgage rate. (2024-2-28)

– Rental properties that are not used by owners, the maximum loan-to-value ratio will be increased to 60 per cent, from previous 50 per cent. (2024-2-28)


LTV Caps for Private Estates

On February 23, 2022, the government announced that it would further relax the loan-to-value ratio caps for mortgage insurance plans, as follows:


Property Value(HK$)LTV caps
(first-time buyers)
LTV caps
(non-first-time buyers)
$4M – $10M90%80%
Above $10M – $11.25M80% – 90%
(capped at $9M)
80%
(capped at $9M)
Above $11.25M – $12M80%
80%
Above $12M – $19.2M50% – 80%
(capped at $9.6M)
50% – 80%
( capped at $9.6M)

For First-Time Homebuyers

Under the new regulations, the maximum loan-to-value ratio is subject to the following conditions:

  1. The applicant must not own any residential property in Hong Kong at the time of application.
  2. The applicant must be regularly salaried.
  3. The mortgage payments, when compared to the applicant’s individual or household income, must not exceed 50%.
  4. Properties valued at HK$ 6 million or below can be newly developed properties (“off-plan”), while properties valued above HK$ 6 million must be existing properties (“completed “).

For Non-First-Time Homebuyers

Under the new regulations, the maximum loan-to-value ratio is subject to the following conditions:

  1. The applicant must undergo a stress test and pass the requirements.
  2. Properties valued at HK$ 6 million or below can be newly developed properties (“off-plan”), while properties valued above HK$ 6 million must be existing properties (“completed”).

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LTV Caps for Village Houses

The maximum loan-to-value ratio for village houses is slightly different from other private properties. Please refer to the table below for reference:


Propert ValueHK$LTV caps
(first-time buyers)
LTV caps
(non-first-time buyers)
$4M – $1,0M85%*80%
Above $10M – $11.25M80% – 85%*80%
Above $11.25M – $12M80%
80%
Above $12M – $19.2 M50% – 80%
(capped at $9.6 M)
50% – 80%
(capped at $9.6 M)
*Final decision is subject to bank approval

The difference in the LTV ratio caps between village houses and other private properties is not significant, especially for non-first-time homebuyers.

It is important to note that properties collectively owned as ancestral land by indigenous villagers in the New Territories, as well as village houses with resale restrictions, do not qualify for these loan-to-value ratios.


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LTV Caps for Subsidised Housing

Public housing generally allows for higher loan-to-value ratios compared to private properties due to the government’s guarantee.

For HOS poperties

LTV Caps
(Green-Form Application)
LTV Caps
(White-Form Application)
Repayment Period
1st-hand95%90%25 Years
2nd-hand
( premium unpaid)
95%90%*25 Years
2nd-hand
(premium paid)
80%- 90%80%- 90%30 Years
*If the government guarantee period expires, the maximum ratio will fall back to 60%

For Public Housings

LTV CapsRepayment Period
Green Form Subsidised Home Ownership Scheme95%25 Years

If you are searching for a property across different neighbourhoods, go to Spacious to discover a wealth of properties listed for sale. 


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FAQ

Is a stress test required when using the New Mortgage Insurance Plan proposed by the Financial Secretary Chan Mo-po?

Yes, a stress test is required. Furthermore, as the loan amount increases, the income requirement for applicants becomes higher.

Update: Stress testing on mortgage lending has been scrapped since 28 February, 2024.

How does purchasing a property under a company name affect the loan-to-value ratio?

It will be considered for non-self-use purposes. Regardless of the property price, the maximum loan-to-value ratio is 60%.


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