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.”
In 2024, Ducati demonstrated remarkable financial resilience by recording revenues exceeding €1 billion for the third consecutive year, achieving a total of €1.003 billion. This performance underscores the company's robust position in the global motorcycle market, despite facing a competitive and challenging economic environment. - read more
KTM AG, a subsidiary of PIERER Mobility AG, has successfully secured an additional €50 million in funding to facilitate the resumption of its production activities. This development follows the approval of a restructuring plan by the company's creditors, marking a significant milestone in KTM's journey towards financial stability. - read more
In 2024, Triumph Motorcycles Australia achieved a significant milestone by recording over 25% year-on-year growth, positioning itself as the leading brand in terms of market expansion within the Australian motorcycle industry. This impressive performance comes amidst challenging market conditions, highlighting Triumph's strategic initiatives and strong market presence. - read more
Suzuki Motorcycles Australia has announced a strategic partnership with Pepper Asset Finance, aiming to provide customers with more flexible and accessible financing options for both new and used motorcycles. This collaboration is set to enhance the purchasing experience for Australian riders by offering tailored financial solutions. - read more
The importance of motorcycle maintenance cannot be understated, especially when faced with the unique and shifting weather conditions that span our vast continent. From the scorching heat of the Outback to the wet and windy coastline, traversing Australia on two wheels requires your machine to be as adaptable as you are. - read more
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
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
Imagine the thrill of cruising down Australia's scenic coastlines or thundering through its vast outback with nothing but the open sky above and the roar of the engine beneath. This dream of bike ownership is an alluring prospect for many, promising a sense of freedom that is hard to find elsewhere. - read more
Start Here
Knowledgebase
Dividend: A distribution of a portion of a company's earnings to its shareholders, usually in the form of cash or additional stock.
