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Pushing the Limit: How Borrowers Tackle an LTV Cap

Author

Listed:
  • Lara Coulier
  • Selien De Schryder
  • Milan van den Heuvel
  • Tobias Verlaeckt

Abstract

We study how mortgage borrowers adjust their mortgage terms and household balance sheets in response to a loan-to-value (LTV) limit. Focusing on the 2020 Belgian LTV policy, we use granular loan- and account-level data from the country’s largest bank. A substantial share of borrowers reduced their LTV ratios, with adjustment patterns varying by income, liquid wealth, and household type. Borrowers mainly responded by increasing downpayments and reducing loan amounts, though these responses were weaker among lower-income households. While the adjustments led to safer mortgages, they were also associated with declines in liquid wealth and consumption in the year following purchase.

Suggested Citation

  • Lara Coulier & Selien De Schryder & Milan van den Heuvel & Tobias Verlaeckt, 2026. "Pushing the Limit: How Borrowers Tackle an LTV Cap," Working Papers of Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Ghent University, Belgium 26/1138, Ghent University, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration.
    • Handle: RePEc:rug:rugwps:26/1138
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    JEL classification:

    • E58 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Monetary Policy, Central Banking, and the Supply of Money and Credit - - - Central Banks and Their Policies
    • G21 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Banks; Other Depository Institutions; Micro Finance Institutions; Mortgages
    • G51 - Financial Economics - - Household Finance - - - Household Savings, Borrowing, Debt, and Wealth

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