In which situation would a borrower be at risk of 'negative equity'?

A borrower is at risk of 'negative equity' primarily when the property value falls below the outstanding loan balance. This situation occurs when the market value of a home decreases, meaning that if the homeowner were to sell their house at that moment, they would not be able to cover the amount they owe on their mortgage.

Negative equity can lead to significant challenges for borrowers, particularly if they need to sell their property or refinance their mortgage. In such cases, they may be unable to repay their debt fully, leaving them “underwater,” where they owe more than the asset is worth. This predicament can create financial strain and limit options for homeowners regarding selling or refinancing their homes.

While rising interest rates, defaulting on loan payments, or taking a second mortgage could create financial difficulties, these scenarios do not directly correlate to the definition of negative equity in the same way that a decline in property value does.