Anyloan Australia :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Mortgage Crisis: 40% of Australian Homeowners Under Pressure

Mortgage Crisis: 40% of Australian Homeowners Under Pressure

Mortgage Crisis: 40% of Australian Homeowners Under Pressure?w=400

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.

Share this news item:

Finance News

Reserve Bank of Australia Lifts Cash Rate to 3.85% to Combat Inflation
Reserve Bank of Australia Lifts Cash Rate to 3.85% to Combat Inflation
18 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has announced an increase in the cash rate by 25 basis points, bringing it to 3.85%. This decision, made during the February 2026 meeting, aims to address the persistent inflationary pressures affecting the Australian economy. - read more
NAB Anticipates Dual RBA Rate Increases in 2026 to Address Inflation
NAB Anticipates Dual RBA Rate Increases in 2026 to Address Inflation
18 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
National Australia Bank (NAB) has revised its economic outlook, now forecasting two interest rate hikes by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) in 2026. This adjustment reflects concerns over persistent inflationary pressures within the Australian economy. - read more
Citi Projects Consecutive RBA Rate Increases in Early 2026
Citi Projects Consecutive RBA Rate Increases in Early 2026
18 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
Global financial services firm Citi has updated its economic forecast, now anticipating two interest rate hikes by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) in the first half of 2026. This revision is prompted by recent economic indicators showing stronger-than-expected inflation and consumer spending. - read more
Australian Mortgage Market Reaches Record $2.41 Trillion
Australian Mortgage Market Reaches Record $2.41 Trillion
10 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
In November 2025, Australia's mortgage market achieved a new milestone, with the total value of residential mortgages reaching $2.41 trillion. This record-breaking figure reflects a 0.67% increase from the previous month and a 6.36% rise over the past year, as reported by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA). - read more
Australian Homeowners Embrace Refinancing Amid Rate Cuts
Australian Homeowners Embrace Refinancing Amid Rate Cuts
10 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian mortgage market has witnessed a significant surge in refinancing activity, with nearly 100,000 loans refinanced in the June 2025 quarter. This marks the highest level since September 2023 and reflects homeowners' proactive responses to recent interest rate cuts by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). - read more


Finance Articles

Australian Loan Application Checklist: What You Need to Know
Australian Loan Application Checklist: What You Need to Know
When applying for a loan in Australia, it's essential to have a clear understanding of the loan application process. Whether you are applying for a home loan, personal loan, or business loan, knowing the necessary steps and having all the required documents ready can save you time and frustration. - read more
Mastering Money: Strategies to Boost Your Financial Health
Mastering Money: Strategies to Boost Your Financial Health
Financial health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, particularly in the ever-evolving economic landscape of Australia. The capacity to manage personal finances effectively not only provides a sense of security but also opens doors to opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach. As such, mastering the art of money management is an indispensable skill for Australians from all walks of life. - read more
Investing in Your Future: Building a Solid Financial Plan
Investing in Your Future: Building a Solid Financial Plan
Investing in your future is not just a prudent choice; it’s a necessity, particularly in the context of Australia's dynamic financial landscape. Making significant purchases like a home or car, or even affording a dream holiday, requires a strategic approach to saving. Understanding the value of foresight and preparation is the first step toward making your financial dreams a reality. - read more
Avoiding Loan Rejection: How to Present Yourself as a Creditworthy Applicant
Avoiding Loan Rejection: How to Present Yourself as a Creditworthy Applicant
Understanding the Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI) is a crucial step toward solidifying your status as a creditworthy loan applicant. DTI is a key determinant used by lenders to gauge your ability to manage monthly payments and repay debts. It's essentially a numerical comparison between your total monthly debt and your gross monthly income, serving as a beacon of your financial health to potential creditors. - read more
The Pros and Cons of Personal Loans for Young Professionals
The Pros and Cons of Personal Loans for Young Professionals
Personal loans are a financial tool that many young professionals consider when they need extra funds. Whether it's for consolidating debt, covering unexpected expenses, or making a big purchase, personal loans can provide the flexibility you need to manage your finances effectively. - read more


Need Help Finding a Loan?
Find out now if you qualify and compare rates, offers and options from multiple lenders - without a credit check!
Loan Amount:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided free and without obligation by a Specialist from our National Broker referral panel. See our Privacy Statement for more details.

All finance quotes are provided free (via our secure server) and without obligation.
We respect your privacy.

Knowledgebase
Discount Rate:
The interest rate used to determine the present value of future cash flows, often used in discounted cash flow analysis.


Quick Links: | Personal And Business Loans Australia | Business Loan Options | Personal Loans Australia | Leasing Finance Solutions | Finance Brokers Australia | Unsecured Business Loans | Vehicle And Equipment Finance | Compare Finance Quotes | Quick Loan Approval | Low Interest Loans | Flexible Loan Terms