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
Mortgage Crisis: 40% of Australian Homeowners Under Pressure 09 Sep 2024: Paige Estritori 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. - read more |
Contactless Revolution: The Decline of Cash Among Tradies 07 Sep 2024: Paige Estritori Australia is embracing a cashless economy, a trend that is significantly reshaping how tradespeople, or 'tradies,' handle transactions in their day-to-day operations. - read more |
RBA Remains Cautious Despite Economic Slowdown 06 Sep 2024: Paige Estritori Borrowers expecting a reduction in interest rates due to sluggish economic growth might have to wait longer, as the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) prioritizes inflation management. - read more |
NSW Cracks Down on Abuse of First-Home Buyer Benefits 02 Sep 2024: Paige Estritori More than $9 million has been reclaimed in a concerted effort by Revenue NSW to ensure the first-home buyers program remains fair and effective. This initiative comes in response to a small group of applicants attempting to exploit the system meant to aid genuine first-time homebuyers. - read more |
Retail Sector Braces for Tough Holiday Season 01 Sep 2024: Paige Estritori As Australians continue to face a challenging cost of living crisis, economic analysts have prepared retailers for a rocky road ahead as the Christmas season approaches. - read more |
Maximizing Your Fleet Budget: Comparing Used vs. New Truck Costs When it comes to expanding a commercial fleet in Australia, the decision between purchasing new or used trucks can have a significant impact on your budget. With this article, we aim to delve into the critical considerations that fleet owners must make in juxtaposing the costs of new verses used trucks, meticulously unraveling the financial layers to guide you towards a choice that aligns with your company's fiscal strategy. - read more
|
What Every Australian Commercial Vehicle Buyer Should Know About Truck Financing In the dynamic realm of Australian commerce, the role of reliable transportation cannot be understated. Especially crucial is the ownership of commercial vehicles which serves as the linchpin for logistical and operational efficiency. The pursuit of acquiring such vital assets often leads businesses to explore the world of truck financing—a realm teeming with opportunities and intricacies. - read more
|
Trucking finance: How leasing can help grow your business Running a successful trucking business in Australia can be a challenge, but with the right financing options, you can grow your business and increase profits. One popular financing option for truckers in Australia is leasing. Leasing allows trucking businesses to acquire vehicles and equipment necessary for their operations without incurring the high costs of outright purchase. - read more
|
Avoiding the Potholes: How to Select the Right Truck Loan for Your Fleet Selecting the right financing for your fleet can be as crucial to your business's success as the trucks themselves. The journey for the perfect truck loan is fraught with potential pitfalls that can impede your business growth and financial stability. In this introductory section, we will delve into the significance of making informed choices when it comes to truck loans and how they impact your operations. - read more
|
Balloon Payments, Residuals and Their Place in Your Truck Loan The pursuit of a quality truck or fleet can be a significant undertaking for any business, especially within the dynamic and ever-expanding Australian transport industry. An understanding of the variety of financing options available within this sector is crucial, as it allows businesses to strategically acquire heavy vehicles that are vital to their operations. - read more
|
The Ultimate Guide to Truck Loan Terms for Commercial Vehicles Getting a truck loan is a significant financial commitment, especially for commercial vehicles. Understanding the terms of your truck loan is crucial for managing your finances effectively and ensuring that you can meet your repayment obligations. - read more
|
Maximizing Your Fleet Budget: Comparing Used vs. New Truck Costs When it comes to expanding a commercial fleet in Australia, the decision between purchasing new or used trucks can have a significant impact on your budget. With this article, we aim to delve into the critical considerations that fleet owners must make in juxtaposing the costs of new verses used trucks, meticulously unraveling the financial layers to guide you towards a choice that aligns with your company's fiscal strategy. - read more
|
A Comprehensive Guide to Heavy Vehicle Financing in Australia When traversing the expansive landscapes of Australia, heavy vehicles are an integral part of the transportation framework, powering industries and connecting markets. The heavy vehicle industry in Australia is a critical component of the national economy, encompassing a wide range of vehicles from buses and coaches to large trucks and road trains essential for the movement of goods and services. - read more
|
Trucking finance: How leasing can help grow your business Running a successful trucking business in Australia can be a challenge, but with the right financing options, you can grow your business and increase profits. One popular financing option for truckers in Australia is leasing. Leasing allows trucking businesses to acquire vehicles and equipment necessary for their operations without incurring the high costs of outright purchase. - read more
|
Truck Financing 101: How to Choose the Right Loan for Your Commercial Vehicle With the bustling economy and expanding trade routes, Australia's commercial vehicle market is experiencing significant growth. Truck financing has become a cornerstone for businesses looking to capitalize on this boom, providing a conduit for fleet expansion and upgrades. Understanding the nuances of commercial vehicle financing options, regulations, and market trends is essential in making informed decisions for the betterment of your business. - read more
|