Guide
What is combined loan-to-value (CLTV)?
Combined loan-to-value (CLTV)is the total of all loans secured by your home divided by the home’s value, written as a percentage. Lenders cap it — usually at 80–90% — to decide how much you can borrow with a HELOC or home equity loan.
The CLTV formula
CLTV adds up every loan secured by the property and divides by its appraised value:
CLTV = (mortgage balance + HELOC / home equity loan) ÷ home value
For example, a $250,000 mortgage plus a $80,000 HELOC on a $450,000 home is a CLTV of ($250,000 + $80,000) ÷ $450,000 = 73%.
LTV vs. CLTV
- LTV (loan-to-value): your first mortgage only, divided by the home value.
- CLTV (combined loan-to-value): all loans on the home — mortgage plus any second lien like a HELOC — divided by the home value.
When you apply for a HELOC, the lender cares about CLTV because it measures the total debt against your home, including the new line.
Why the 80–90% cap matters
The CLTV cap is what limits your borrowing power. If a lender caps CLTV at 85% on a $450,000 home, your total debt can’t exceed $382,500 — so if you owe $250,000, you could borrow up to about $132,500. A lower CLTV also signals less risk, which often earns a better rate.
Want your number? The how much HELOC can I get calculatorapplies your CLTV cap automatically, and the home page’s breakdown bar shows exactly how your home value splits between what you owe, what you can borrow, and the buffer above the cap.
Related reading
New to home equity lines? Start with how a HELOC works, or see what else lenders check in HELOC requirements.
Frequently asked questions
What is CLTV in simple terms?+
Combined loan-to-value (CLTV) is the total of all loans secured by your home divided by the home's value. If you owe $250,000 on a $450,000 home, your current CLTV is about 56%. Adding a HELOC raises it.
What is the difference between LTV and CLTV?+
LTV (loan-to-value) counts only your first mortgage against the home's value. CLTV (combined loan-to-value) counts all loans on the home — your mortgage plus any HELOC or home equity loan. Lenders use CLTV to size a second loan.
What CLTV do HELOC lenders allow?+
Most HELOC lenders cap CLTV at 80–90% of the home's appraised value. A few allow higher, but a lower CLTV usually earns a better rate.
How do I lower my CLTV?+
Pay down your mortgage balance, borrow less against your equity, or benefit from a higher home appraisal. Any of these reduces the ratio of debt to home value.
Run the numbers
See exactly how much you could borrow with our free HELOC calculator.
More guides
Last reviewed June 2026.