Construction Loan LVR Calculator

Your Loan-to-Value Ratio (LVR) determines whether LMI applies, which lenders will consider your application, and the interest rate you'll be offered. For construction, LVR = loan ÷ (land + build cost).

Construction Project Details

$450,000
$350,000

Total project value: $800,000

$160,000

Include stamp duty in deposit requirement

Estimated stamp duty:Calculate →

Your LVR

82.8%

Moderate LVR

20% deposit

LMI required. Still well within most lenders' construction loan policies.

Total project value$800,000
Stamp duty (upfront)$22,000
Your deposit$160,000
Loan required$662,000

LVR = loan ÷ property value (stamp duty excluded from LVR denominator)

Deposit milestones

To reach 80% LVR (no LMI)need $22,000 more
✅ 90% LVR achieved$102,000

Construction loans above 80% LVR

Not all lenders do construction above 80%. A broker can match you to lenders who will — some go to 95% with LMI for construction.

LVR thresholds for construction loans

Construction loans have stricter LVR policies than standard mortgages at some lenders. Here's what each threshold means:

LVR LMI? Lender options
≤ 80%NoneAll major lenders, best rates
80–85%RequiredMost lenders, good rates
85–90%RequiredMost majors, slightly higher rates
90–95%RequiredFewer lenders — NAB, St George, Macquarie (some products)
> 95%Not availableNo mainstream lenders — not viable for construction

How LVR is calculated for construction

For a standard home purchase, LVR = loan ÷ purchase price. For construction, it's loan ÷ (land value + build contract price). Stamp duty is paid upfront from your deposit and doesn't increase the loan — but it reduces your effective deposit available for the LVR calculation.

General advice only. LVR thresholds and lender policies are indicative and subject to change. LMI rates vary by insurer and lender. Verify current policies with your lender or broker.