Mortgage Crisis: 40% of Australian Homeowners Under Pressure

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

Share this news item:

Finance News

Peter Stevens Motorcycles Faces Financial Turmoil with $65.9 Million Debt

15 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori

Peter Stevens Motorcycles, a cornerstone of Australia's motorcycle retail industry since 1970, has entered voluntary administration, revealing debts exceeding $65 million. This development casts uncertainty over the future of the company's 400 employees and its extensive customer base. - read more

Harley-Davidson Explores Sale of Financing Unit Stake

15 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori

Harley-Davidson is reportedly in discussions to sell a stake in its financing unit, Harley-Davidson Financial Services (HDFS), to investment firms Pacific Investment Management Co (PIMCO) and KKR & Co. The proposed deal, valued at approximately $5 billion, includes the sale of existing motorcycle loan portfolios. - read more

Westpac's Limited-Time Offer: $0 Establishment Fee on Motorcycle Loans

07 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori

Westpac has announced a promotional offer for individuals seeking to finance their motorcycle purchases. Until 30 October 2025, the bank is waiving the $250 establishment fee on its unsecured personal loans for motorcycles. This initiative aims to make motorbike ownership more accessible and affordable for Australians. - read more

National Finance and Loans Joins Forces with Honda Racing Australia

07 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori

National Finance and Loans (NFAL) has entered into a multi-year partnership with Honda Racing Australia, marking a significant collaboration in the Australian motorcycle racing scene. This alliance was unveiled at the final round of the Australian Supercross Championship, where NFAL assumed title rights for rider Alex Larwood's #5 entry. - read more

Click for more Finance News

Bike Loans Articles

Smart Strategies for Saving Money on Motorcycle Loan Repayments

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

Avoiding Common Pitfalls When Applying for a Motorcycle Loan

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

Bike Loans vs. Personal Loans: Which One Should You Choose?

When it comes to buying a new motorcycle, financing is often the most suitable solution for most people. There are two main options available: bike loans and personal loans. It's important to understand the key differences between the two to help you make an informed decision. - read more

How to Compare Motorcycle Loans: A Step-by-Step Process

Motorcycle loans have become an essential financial tool for many Australians looking to hit the open road on two wheels. With a growing popularity of motorcycles, understanding the ins and outs of financing these vehicles is crucial. In Australia, there are various loan options available, each tailored to different needs and circumstances. - read more

Start Here

Knowledgebase

Return on Investment (ROI):
A measure used to evaluate the efficiency of an investment or compare the efficiency of several different investments.

This website is owned and operated by Clark Family Pty Ltd (as Trustee for the Clark Family Trust) 43 Larch Street Tallebudgera QLD 4228, A.C.N. 010281008, authorised credit representative of Saccasan Pty Ltd, Australian Credit License 386297. Visit the ASIC website for additional licensing information.

IMPORTANT: We are neither authorised nor licensed to provide finance or financial products and we do not offer any form of credit or other financial advice. All product enquiries and requests for financial and/or other advice on this website are referred to third party intermediaries, insurers and lenders - with whom you can then deal directly. We may receive a fee or commission from these third parties in consideration for the referral. Before any action is taken to obtain a product or service referred to by this website, advice should be obtained (from either the third party to whom we refer you or from another qualified intermediary) as to the appropriateness of obtaining those products having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. Whilst we have our own process for vaidating the legitimacy of our referral partners, you should always verify the credentials of your financial adviser before proceeding with recommendations that they may present. Visit the ASIC website for further information.

Mortgage Crisis: 40% of Australian Homeowners Under Pressure

Mortgage Crisis: 40% of Australian Homeowners Under Pressure

Share this news item:

START HERE.