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
Sources

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

Share this news item:

Finance News

Clear

Volvo Trucks Australia Enhances FM Series with New 13-Litre Engine Options

21 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

Volvo Trucks Australia has announced the addition of new low-horsepower 13-litre engines to its FM series, aiming to provide more efficient and versatile options for various transport applications. The new engine range includes variants with 380hp and 1850Nm, 420hp and 2100Nm, and 460hp with 2300Nm of torque. These engines comply with Euro 6 emissions standards, reflecting Volvo's commitment to environmental sustainability. - read more

Hino Australia Broadens 700 Series with Eleven New Euro 6-Compliant Models

21 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

Hino Australia has unveiled an expansion of its 700 Series heavy-duty truck range, introducing eleven new models that comply with Euro 6 emissions standards. This development aims to provide solutions for a wide array of heavy-duty applications, catering to the evolving needs of the transport industry. - read more

Kia Enters Australian Ute Market with the Launch of the Tasman

21 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

Kia has officially launched the Tasman, its first-ever ute, in the Australian market. Designed with significant input from Kia Australia, the Tasman aims to capture approximately 10% of the country's pickup truck market share. The vehicle is built on an all-new platform and is set to compete with established models like the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux. - read more

Australian Truck Market Records Third-Highest Sales in 2025

13 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

In 2025, Australia's truck market demonstrated remarkable resilience, achieving its third-highest annual sales despite facing significant economic pressures. According to the Truck Industry Council (TIC), a total of 45,191 new trucks and heavy vans were sold throughout the year. This figure, while representing an 11.9% decrease from the record 51,277 units sold in 2024, underscores the industry's robustness in the face of adversity. - read more

Looming Truck Driver Shortage Threatens Australia's Supply Chain

13 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

Australia's trucking industry is on the brink of a significant driver shortage, with projections indicating a shortfall of 78,000 drivers by 2029. This looming crisis is attributed to an aging workforce and challenges in attracting younger individuals to the profession. - read more

Click for more Finance News