Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) imposes 70% loan-to-value (LTV) limit on third housing loan

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With immediate effect from 3 November 2010, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) announced the implementation of a maximum loan-to-value (LTV) ratio of 70%, which will be applicable to the third house financing facility taken out by a borrower. 

Financing facilities for purchase of the first and second homes are not affected and borrowers will continue to be able to obtain financing for these purchases at the present prevailing LTV level applied by individual banks based on their internal credit policies. 


The measure aims to support a stable and sustainable property market, and promote the continued affordability of homes for the general public.

At the national level, residential property prices have increased steadily in tandem with economic development and the rise in income levels.  This aggregate growth trend remains largely manageable and has not deviated from the long term trend in residential property prices.  In the more recent period, however, specific locations, particularly in and around urban centres, have experienced faster growth, both in the number of transactions and in house prices. This is further supported by an increase in financing provided for multiple unit purchases by a single borrower, suggesting increasing investment activity that is of a speculative nature.

The targeted implementation of the LTV ratio is expected to moderate the excessive investment and speculative activity in the residential property market which has resulted in higher than average price increases in such locations. This has also led to increases in house prices in surrounding locations, thus contributing to the declining overall affordability of homes for genuine house buyers.  This measure therefore remains supportive of the objective of encouraging home ownership among Malaysians which continues to be an important national agenda.

Comment: It appears that the BNM ruling will only affect the loan margin on third housing loan (i.e. maximum loan margin of financing of 70%), but it does not mention whether the interest rate would be lower than normal prevailing interest rate nor the loan period will also be affected.

It is believed that BNM ruling on 70% loan-to-value (LTV) limit will also applicable to a joint loan taken out by the joint borrowers or house purchasers, if any one of the borrowers or purchasers is taking on a third housing loan. Further clarification from BNM or the banks may be necessary.

See BNM’s press release statement on the announcement:

Measures in Promoting a Stable and Sustainable Property Market and Sound Financial and Debt Management of Households

Also see our latest post below:

BNM ruling on 70% third housing loan cap limit – details