Which type of loan is generally considered a higher risk for lenders?

Conventional loans are often considered a higher risk for lenders primarily because they are not insured or guaranteed by a government agency, unlike the other options listed. This lack of government backing means that if a borrower defaults on a conventional loan, the lender bears the full brunt of the loss.

Moreover, conventional loans typically have stricter credit requirements and a higher down payment requirement compared to government-backed loans such as FHA, VA, and USDA loans, which have provisions designed to support lower-income borrowers or veterans, encouraging higher loan approval rates. As such, borrowers with lower credit scores or smaller down payments are more likely to be denied conventional loans, which adds another layer of risk for lenders.

In contrast, FHA, VA, and USDA loans are designed to mitigate risk for lenders by offering specific protections or guarantees, making them more favorable options for both the lender and certain qualified borrowers.