Risk sharing in mortgage loan agreements

Abstract

This paper examines whether risk sharing exists in mortgage loan agreements. Specifically, we analyze the effect of the number of co-borrowers on foreclosure risk, using data from Singapore. Through the estimation of probit model, the results consistently show that co-borrowers significantly reduce the foreclosure risk, suggesting the existence of risk sharing among the co-borrowers. In addition, foreclosure risk is reduced proportionately with the number of co-borrowers. Further analysis shows that low-rise properties required a larger number of co-borrowers than high-rise properties in order to share risk effectively. Interestingly, low-rise properties experience a greater decline in the foreclosure likelihood than high-rise properties for every increase in the number of co-borrowers. © World Scientific Co. and Center for Pacific Basin BEF Research.