Mortgage Crisis: 40% of Australian Homeowners Under Pressure
Mortgage Crisis: 40% of Australian Homeowners Under Pressure
3
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.”
The Boating Industry Association Ltd (BIA) has recently called upon all levels of Australian government to provide strategic support to the nation's marine manufacturing and recreational boating sector. This appeal comes in response to a significant skills shortage that poses a threat to the industry's economic potential. - read more
The Boating Industry Association (BIA) has released the National Recreational Boating Statement, providing a comprehensive overview of the sector's scale, value, and future projections. The statement forecasts that by 2030, Australians will spend $20 billion annually on boating activities, underscoring the industry's significant economic and social impact. - read more
Australian Olympic swimming legend Ian Thorpe is set to make waves in a new arena by joining the crew of the supermaxi yacht LawConnect for the upcoming Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race. This marks a significant transition for Thorpe, who has previously dominated the swimming world with five Olympic gold medals. - read more
The Boating Industry Association Ltd (BIA) has unveiled its annual 'See You Out There' campaign, a key component of the 'Discover Boating' initiative aimed at inviting Australians to experience the joys and benefits of boating. Launching on November 1, this campaign seeks to highlight the freedom, connection, and well-being that come from spending time on the water. - read more
The 56th Sydney International On-Water Boat Show has successfully concluded after four dynamic days at Darling Harbour, reaffirming its status as a premier event in Australia's marine industry. Presented by the Boating Industry Association Ltd (BIA) in partnership with Mulpha Events, the show attracted over 20,000 visitors, offering a comprehensive showcase of the boating lifestyle. - read more
The 56th Sydney International On-Water Boat Show, held from 13 to 16 November 2025 at Darling Harbour, has concluded with remarkable success. This year's event attracted over 20,000 visitors, underscoring the enduring appeal of Australia's marine lifestyle and industry. - read more
Purchasing your dream boat brings with it a rush of excitement and a sense of freedom unparalleled by the confines of land. Whether you envision serene days sailing crystalline waters or action-packed fishing adventures, owning a boat provides an escape to a world of aquatic possibilities. As you prepare to navigate the open seas or tranquil lakes, it's crucial to consider not just the wind in your sails, but also the protection of your new vessel. - read more
If you're in the market for buying a boat, then it's crucial to familiarize yourself with preapproved boat finance. Unlike typical boat loans where you apply for financing after you've decided on a boat, preapproval allows you to secure finance before you start shopping. This gives you peace of mind and greater control over the buying process, ensuring no surprises or delays arise along the way. - read more
When you're embarking on the adventure of buying your first boat, understanding interest rates becomes crucial. But what are interest rates exactly? In the context of loans, they represent the cost of borrowing money, expressed as a percentage of the loan amount. Essentially, it’s the price you pay for the financing that makes your dream of boat ownership a reality. - read more
Welcome, fellow boating enthusiasts! Whether you're looking to sail the coasts of Australia or enjoy leisurely days on the water, financing a boat can be a thrilling adventure. However, securing the right marine insurance policy goes hand-in-hand with this exciting journey, and it's an absolute must. - read more
Boating is a popular recreational activity in Australia, with over 85% of the population living within 50 km of the coast. However, boaters must consider the risks associated with being out on the water, including accidents, theft and damage to property. Insurance can help protect boat owners from these risks and provide peace of mind while navigating Australia's waters. - read more
Owning a boat is a dream for many Australians. The idea of spending serene weekends on the water or embarking on exciting fishing trips is undeniably appealing. However, turning this dream into reality often requires financial support in the form of a boat loan. Understanding the intricacies of financing your boat is a critical first step on this journey. - read more
Start Here
Quotes are offered free & without obligation. We respect your privacy.
Knowledgebase
Balloon Payment: A large payment due at the end of a balloon loan, usually after a series of smaller payments.