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.”
KTM AG, the renowned Austrian motorcycle manufacturer, has successfully secured €600 million in funding to meet its debt obligations, marking a significant milestone in the company's ongoing financial restructuring. This development comes after a period of financial turbulence that led KTM into self-administration and a comprehensive restructuring process. - read more
Peter Stevens Motorcycles, a cornerstone of Australia's motorcycle retail industry since 1970, has entered voluntary administration, revealing debts exceeding $65.9 million. This development casts uncertainty over the future of the company's 400 employees and its extensive customer base. - read more
The Australian motorcycle market has experienced a modest decline in sales during the first nine months of 2025, with a 2.2% decrease compared to the same period in 2024. According to data from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), a total of 63,988 motorcycles were sold between January and September 2025. - read more
Harley-Davidson, the iconic American motorcycle manufacturer, is reportedly in discussions to sell a stake in its financing unit, Harley-Davidson Financial Services (HDFS). This move could have significant implications for motorcycle financing options available to consumers. - read more
When it comes to hitting the open road on a new motorcycle in Australia, securing the right loan can significantly impact your financial journey. Motorcycle loans are an essential tool that can help you purchase your dream machine. However, understanding how to navigate these loans can make a world of difference in both your purchase process and your long-term financial health. - read more
When it comes to purchasing a motorcycle, many riders opt for financing their purchase through a loan. While it allows you to enjoy the thrill of riding without hefty upfront costs, it's important to manage your monthly loan repayments effectively. By saving money on your motorcycle loan repayments, you can free up funds for other important expenses or accelerate the pay-off process. - read more
Are you thinking about hitting the open road on a brand-new motorcycle? Before you rev up and ride off, it’s crucial to understand the financial aspects of securing a motorcycle loan. While the idea of cruising on two wheels is exciting, navigating the loan process can be a bit tricky if you’re not prepared. - read more
There's nothing quite like the thrill of hitting the open road on your motorcycle. The freedom, the exhilaration, and the sense of adventure are unparalleled. For many Australians, motorcycling isn't just a mode of transport; it's a passion and a lifestyle choice. - read more
Start Here
Knowledgebase
Asset Allocation: An investment strategy that aims to balance risk and reward by apportioning a portfolio's assets according to an individual's goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon.
