This paper considers the implications of the counter-cyclical loan-to-value (CcLTV) regulation in a setting where different types of borrowers from distinct sectors of the credit market co-exist. To identify the optimal policy design, we consider two macro-prudential policy regimes, nanely generic and sector-specfi c, and compare their effectiveness in enhancing fi nancial and macroeconomic stability. The results show that both regimes are effective in this regard, especially when the economy is hit by financial and housing demand shocks. The effectiveness of both regimes is, however, shock-dependent. To enhance the effectiveness of CcLTV regulation, we argue that the regulator should consider borrowers’ heterogeneity and the origin of the shocks, and tailor the CcLTV regulation according to the speci c conditions of each sector of the credit market, rather than to the aggregate conditions. In this way, the regulator can directly target the speci c sector or borrower type.