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.

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
Author: Paige Estritori

Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.

Share this news item:

Finance News

Clear

Seafarms Group Bolsters Project Sea Dragon with Increased Funding

30 May 2026: Paige Estritori

Seafarms Group Limited has recently expanded its credit agreement with Avatar Finance, increasing the facility from AUD 8.5 million to AUD 16.5 million. This strategic move aims to support the reacquisition of key assets for Project Sea Dragon, a venture poised to become the world's largest prawn farming operation. - read more

Austal Lands $680 Million Contract for Army Landing Craft

30 May 2026: Paige Estritori

Austal Limited has been awarded a significant contract valued at over AUD 1 billion (approximately USD 680 million) to design and construct 18 Landing Craft Medium (LCM) vessels for the Australian Army. This contract marks a pivotal expansion in Austal's defense shipbuilding operations within Australia. - read more

New Hobart Wharf to Support Antarctic Research Operations

30 May 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian government has announced plans to construct a new wharf at Macquarie Wharf 6 in Hobart, Tasmania, to provide a dedicated berth and refueling facility for the Antarctic research vessel RSV Nuyina. This development addresses the vessel's current logistical challenges, including the need to travel over 600 kilometers to refuel due to size constraints at existing facilities. - read more

The Boat Works Commences Pier 25 Development

22 May 2026: Paige Estritori

The Boat Works, a leading marine maintenance and refit facility on the Gold Coast, has initiated construction on its latest project, Pier 25. This development aims to expand the precinct's offerings by introducing new showrooms, office suites, and crew accommodations. - read more

Lloyd's Register and Echo Marine Group to Deliver WA's First Electric Ferry Fleet

22 May 2026: Paige Estritori

Lloyd's Register (LR) has strengthened its partnership with Echo Marine Group to support the delivery of Western Australia's first fully electric passenger ferries. This initiative marks a significant step towards sustainable public transport in Australia. - read more

Click for more Finance News