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Mortgage Crisis: 40% of Australian Homeowners Under Pressure

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

A recent study has uncovered that an alarming number of Australian households are grappling with mortgage burdens, as over 1.4 million families find themselves in financial distress.

This amounts to more than 40% of current home loan holders, according to new data from Finder, a consumer finance comparison service.

The latest survey results, gathered consistently by Finder since 2019, revealed the most elevated levels of mortgage stress witnessed to date.

Compounding this concern, approximately 13% of surveyed households admitted to having missed one or more mortgage payments in the last six months.

The persistence of overleveraging among families is a significant component of this issue. As of August 2024, the typical owner-occupier loan has increased to $634,479, marking a 1.3% rise from the previous month. Over the past 12 months, the average mortgage figure has escalated by 9.3%, Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data reveals.

Despite the economy showing signs of stagnation, the cash rate has remained unchanged since November 2023, keeping it at its highest point in 12 years. As Finder highlights, this has resulted in Australians allocating a disproportionate segment of their incomes solely to cover home loan repayments.

Insights from ANZ CoreLogic indicate an upward trend in income allocation towards mortgage servicing. Australians now use over 46% of their income for new mortgages, compared to 40% the previous year. The scenario is more severe in Sydney, where it takes in excess of 58% of an average household's income to manage mortgage payments.

Financial counselors commonly advise that households should not channel more than one-third of their income into mortgage payments.

Adding to the challenge is the diminishing savings buffers for Australians over the past decade. The ABS’s latest National Accounts report highlights a severe decline in the household savings ratio, plummeting to 0.6%-a substantial drop compared to a year-back in June 2022.

“While many mortgage holders have navigated rate hikes up until now, they are currently under acute financial pressure as their savings and emergency funds rapidly dwindle,” observed Finder’s Richard Whitten.

Whitten further emphasized, “For a growing number of Australians, housing-related costs are a primary stress factor, with numerous households struggling to stay afloat.”

Published:Monday, 9th Sep 2024
Source: Paige Estritori

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

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Finance News

APRA Implements Cap on High Debt-to-Income Home Loans

12 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced a significant policy change aimed at mitigating risks in the housing market. Effective February 2026, APRA will impose a cap on high debt-to-income (DTI) home loans, limiting such loans to 20% of new home lending. This measure applies to both owner-occupiers and investors, with an exemption for new housing developments. - read more

Commonwealth Bank Highlights Concerns Over Surging Home Loan Demand

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The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), the nation's largest lender, has raised concerns about the current high demand for home loans, which is contributing to escalating property prices. CEO Matt Comyn acknowledged that while the bank has benefited from the surge in housing credit, such high levels are unsustainable and could undermine long-term financial stability, housing equality, and market accessibility. He suggested that a more moderate pace of credit growth would be beneficial. - read more

Black Friday Sales Lead to Surge in Credit Card Debt Among Australians

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As Black Friday sales gain popularity in Australia, consumer advocates are raising concerns about the financial strain these events place on individuals and families. The allure of significant discounts and the social pressure to participate in these sales have led many Australians to increase their credit card debt, potentially exacerbating financial stress. - read more

ANZ's Nuno Matos Takes Helm at Australian Banking Association

04 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

In a significant development for Australia's banking sector, Nuno Matos, Chief Executive Officer of ANZ Group, has been appointed as the new chair of the Australian Banking Association (ABA) council. This appointment marks a pivotal moment for the industry, as Matos brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the role. - read more

APRA Implements Cap on High Debt-to-Income Home Loans

04 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

In a proactive move to address potential risks in the housing market, the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced the implementation of a cap on high debt-to-income (DTI) home loans, effective from February 2026. This measure is designed to curb the issuance of loans that could pose systemic risks to the financial system. - read more

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