Are you facing mortgage stress? More than 100,000 Australians could be too
Pressure is building on more Australians after yet another hike in the cash rate was announced by the RBA. To make matters worse, according to a report by fintech Otivo, more than 100,000 Australians are set to fall victim to mortgage stress with the wealthiest suburbs set to be hit with the brunt of it.
What is mortgage stress?
Mortgage stress, in essence, is a term used to describe home owners who are struggling to keep up with paying their bills and mortgage repayments. Although there isn’t a concrete definition, it is generally described as homeowners who are spending at least 30% of their pre-tax income on mortgage repayments alone.
What are the dangers of mortgage stress?
Mortgage stress has a couple of risks associated with it, the first of which is mental. The strain of barely making ends meet is not a good feeling at all and it can seriously affect people's mental wellbeing.
A second and less obvious risk is turning people into mortgage prisoners. What are mortgage prisoners? Basically, a mortgage prisoner is anyone who cannot refinance their loan because of their low or negative equity. This can create a negative feedback loop that leads to increased financial stress and possible even default.
Why is mortgage stress on the rise?
Mortgage stress has been exacerbated by the cost of living crisis, inflation, and rising interest rates that, according to Otivo, have reached a 10 year record high. With everyday Aussies finding it harder than ever to deal with tightening economic conditions, it’s no surprise that some are feeling the brunt of that on their mortgage repayments.
Who is most at risk of mortgage stress?
According to Otivo’s report, the people currently most at risk are residents in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane with many of the most wealthy suburbs and individuals feeling the brunt of the stress. This belief is most likely tied to the higher price growth seen in the high end suburbs of these major capitals, where meeting regular mortgage payments has become more challenging in recent times.
Furthermore, we can see the spread of borrowers who are mortgage stressed has affected a sizeable portion of earners across different income brackets, from those on about $1,133 up to $4,633 per week.
Weekly Income | Mortgage Stressed Borrowers |
$1,133 to $1,792 | 24% |
$1,792.00 to $2,050 | 23% |
$2,050 to $2,217 | 23% |
$2,217 to $2,400 | 22% |
$2,400 to $2,700 | 22% |
$2,700 to $2,933 | 25% |
$2,933 to $3,333 | 27% |
$3,333.00 to $4,633 | 28% |
* Source: The February 2023 Otivo Mortgage Stress Report
What can be done to combat mortgage stress?
From what we have seen, mortgage stress can have some seriously negative consequences as it begins to affect more and more Australian borrowers. Some will be in some degree of a mortgage prison, approaching it, or generally just making ends meet. So, what can we do to counteract these pressures and get ourselves back on track?
- Tighten the belt: Reduce spending to only the things that you need.
- Start saving: Even the tiniest amount can help in a pinch.
- Utilise an offset account: If you have an offset account, it can help to start putting more of your savings into it so that it can help relieve some pressure.
- Make extra repayments: Provided your loan allows this, it means you can access your redraw facility whenever things get dicey.
- Talk to a financial advisor: Discussing with someone who can effectively analyse your situation and help you to find off-ramps may be helpful for some.
Mortgage stress is weighing down on many as we can see, and although some cannot refinance their loans to a better deal, you might be looking to do just that.
At Mozo we can help you compare the top home loan refinancing providers so that you can get the best deal possible for you.
Home loan comparisons on Mozo
Promoted
-
Unloan Variable
- Owner Occupier
- LVR <80%
- Interest rate
-
5.99
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
5.90
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$2,995
Built by CommBank, the Unloan is the first home loan with an increasing discount (conditions apply) for borrowers. No application or banking fees. No monthly account keeping or early exit fees. Apply online in minutes.
- Interest rate
-
5.99
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
5.90
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$0
- Ongoing fees
-
$0.00
- Discharge fee
-
$0.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - free
- Redraw facility
-
yes - free
- Offset account
-
no
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 80.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- $10,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- $10,000,000
- Type of mortgage
- Variable
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Special offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this Unloan Unloan Variable
-
Basic Home Loan
- Owner Occupier
- LVR<60%
- Principal & Interest
- Interest rate
-
6.14
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.16
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$3,043
Enjoy a low rate home loan with $0 application fee and $0 ongoing fees. Flexibility to split your loan and set different repayment types. Fee free redraw from your loan using online banking. Flexible ways to repay. 40% Deposit required.
- Interest rate
-
6.14
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.16
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$350
- Ongoing fees
-
$0.00
- Discharge fee
-
$400.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - free
- Redraw facility
-
yes - free
- Offset account
-
no
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 60.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- $150,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- $10,000,000
- Type of mortgage
- Variable
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Monthly
- Special offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this Macquarie Basic Home Loan
-
Neat Home Loan
- Owner Occupier
- Principal & Interest
- LVR <60%
- Interest rate
-
6.09
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.11
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$3,027
Competitively-priced variable rate loan. Ideal for owner occupiers and investors. No service fees to pay. Make free extra repayments and redraws. Flexible repayment schedule available.
- Interest rate
-
6.09
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.11
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$250
- Ongoing fees
-
$0.00
- Discharge fee
-
$300.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - free
- Redraw facility
-
yes - free
- Offset account
-
no
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 60.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- $80,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- $5,000,000
- Type of mortgage
- Variable
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Special offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this ubank Neat Home Loan
-
Special Real Deal Home Loan
- Owner Occupier
- Principal & Interest
- LVR <80%
- Interest rate
-
6.09
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.13
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$3,027
Refinancers or first home buyers pay no monthly or annual fees. Up to $3,000 cashback when you complete your home loan application online. $2,000 cashback on loans ≥$250K; or $3,000 cashback on loans ≥$500K. LVR ≤80%. T&Cs and credit criteria apply.
- Interest rate
-
6.09
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.13
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$595
- Ongoing fees
-
$0.00
- Discharge fee
-
$250.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - free
- Redraw facility
-
yes - fees apply
- Offset account
-
no
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 80.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- $150,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- -
- Type of mortgage
- Variable
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Special offers
- $2,000 online cashback when for refinance or purchase loans of $250,00 -$499,999.99, $3,000 for loan amounts of >$500,000.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this Newcastle Permanent Special Real Deal Home Loan
-
Optimum Fixed Rate Home Loan
- Owner Occupier
- Principal & Interest
- Interest rate
-
5.69
%
p.a.
Fixed 3 years
- Comparison rate
-
6.34
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$2,899
Lock in a competitive interest rate and enjoy peace of mind for the fixed period. Available for owner occupied new and refinanced home loans with at least 20% deposit. Split option available as well as offset and redraw. Noapplication, ongoing or banking fees. Third Party fees may be applicable - payable within loan repayments. Extra repayments up to $20K per annum permitted. Apply online, 100% member owned credit union.
- Interest rate
-
5.69
%
p.a.
Fixed 3 years
- Comparison rate
-
6.34
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$0
- Ongoing fees
-
$0.00
- Discharge fee
-
- Extra repayments
-
yes - free up to $20,000 p.a. during fixed rate term
- Redraw facility
-
yes - free
- Offset account
-
no
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 80.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- -
- Maximum borrowing amount
- $2,500,000
- Type of mortgage
- Fixed
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Special offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this South West Slopes Bank Optimum Fixed Rate Home Loan
-
Unloan Variable
- Owner Occupier
- LVR <80%
- Interest rate
-
5.99
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
5.90
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$2,995
Built by CommBank, the Unloan is the first home loan with an increasing discount (conditions apply) for borrowers. No application or banking fees. No monthly account keeping or early exit fees. Apply online in minutes.
- Interest rate
-
5.99
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
5.90
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$0
- Ongoing fees
-
$0.00
- Discharge fee
-
$0.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - free
- Redraw facility
-
yes - free
- Offset account
-
no
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 80.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- $10,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- $10,000,000
- Type of mortgage
- Variable
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Special offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this Unloan Unloan Variable
-
OMG Home Loan
- Owner Occupier
- Principal & Interest
- <60% LVR
- Interest rate
-
5.99
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.02
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$2,995
BCU Bank’s OMG owner occupied home loan offers a variety of great low rates depending on your deposit. Save with no ongoing annual fees. Access your extra payments when you need to through the redraw facility. Pre-approval valid for 3 months.
- Interest rate
-
5.99
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.02
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$300
- Ongoing fees
-
$0.00
- Discharge fee
-
$395.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - free
- Redraw facility
-
yes - free
- Offset account
-
no
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 60.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- $20,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- $1,500,000
- Type of mortgage
- Variable
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Special offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this BCU Bank OMG Home Loan
-
Flex Home Loan
- Fixed
- Owner Occupier
- Principal & Interest
- LVR <60%
- Interest rate
-
5.99
%
p.a.
Fixed 3 years
- Comparison rate
-
6.34
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$2,995
Competitive Fixed rate. Multiple offset accounts available. Borrowers can also make extra repayments. Redraw facility available. Simple online application process. 40% deposit required.
- Interest rate
-
5.99
%
p.a.
Fixed 3 years
- Comparison rate
-
6.34
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$250
- Ongoing fees
-
$250.00 yearly
- Discharge fee
-
$300.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - free
- Redraw facility
-
yes - free
- Offset account
-
yes
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 60.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- -
- Maximum borrowing amount
- -
- Type of mortgage
- Fixed
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Special offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this ubank Flex Home Loan
-
Express Home Loan
- Owner Occupier
- Principal & Interest
- LVR <90%
- Interest rate
-
6.01
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.14
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$3,001
Get online approval from the award-winning Bendigo Bank Express Home Loan. Multiple offset accounts and redraw available. 100% offset on variable rate loans and partial offset on fixed rate. Flexible repayment options. New home loans only.
- Interest rate
-
6.01
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.14
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$134
- Ongoing fees
-
$10.00 monthly
- Discharge fee
-
$350.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - free
- Redraw facility
-
yes - free
- Offset account
-
yes
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 90.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- $5,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- $3,000,000
- Type of mortgage
- Variable
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Special offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this Bendigo Bank Express Home Loan
-
Neat Home Loan
- Owner Occupier
- Principal & Interest
- LVR <60%
- Interest rate
-
6.09
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.11
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$3,027
Competitively-priced variable rate loan. Ideal for owner occupiers and investors. No service fees to pay. Make free extra repayments and redraws. Flexible repayment schedule available.
- Interest rate
-
6.09
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.11
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$250
- Ongoing fees
-
$0.00
- Discharge fee
-
$300.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - free
- Redraw facility
-
yes - free
- Offset account
-
no
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 60.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- $80,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- $5,000,000
- Type of mortgage
- Variable
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Special offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this ubank Neat Home Loan
-
Special Real Deal Home Loan
- Owner Occupier
- Principal & Interest
- LVR <80%
- Interest rate
-
6.09
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.13
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$3,027
Refinancers or first home buyers pay no monthly or annual fees. Up to $3,000 cashback when you complete your home loan application online. $2,000 cashback on loans ≥$250K; or $3,000 cashback on loans ≥$500K. LVR ≤80%. T&Cs and credit criteria apply.
- Interest rate
-
6.09
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.13
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$595
- Ongoing fees
-
$0.00
- Discharge fee
-
$250.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - free
- Redraw facility
-
yes - fees apply
- Offset account
-
no
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 80.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- $150,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- -
- Type of mortgage
- Variable
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Special offers
- $2,000 online cashback when for refinance or purchase loans of $250,00 -$499,999.99, $3,000 for loan amounts of >$500,000.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this Newcastle Permanent Special Real Deal Home Loan
-
Basic Home Loan
- Owner Occupier
- LVR<60%
- Principal & Interest
- Interest rate
-
6.14
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.16
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$3,043
Enjoy a low rate home loan with $0 application fee and $0 ongoing fees. Flexibility to split your loan and set different repayment types. Fee free redraw from your loan using online banking. Flexible ways to repay. 40% Deposit required.
- Interest rate
-
6.14
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.16
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$350
- Ongoing fees
-
$0.00
- Discharge fee
-
$400.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - free
- Redraw facility
-
yes - free
- Offset account
-
no
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 60.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- $150,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- $10,000,000
- Type of mortgage
- Variable
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Monthly
- Special offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this Macquarie Basic Home Loan
-
Flex Home Loan
- Owner Occupier
- Principal & Interest
- LVR <60%
- Interest rate
-
6.14
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.38
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$3,043
Competitive variable rate. Multiple offset accounts available. Borrowers can also make extra repayments. Redraw facility available. Simple online application process. 40% deposit required.
- Interest rate
-
6.14
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.38
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$250
- Ongoing fees
-
$250.00 yearly
- Discharge fee
-
$300.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - free
- Redraw facility
-
yes - free
- Offset account
-
yes
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 60.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- -
- Maximum borrowing amount
- -
- Type of mortgage
- Variable
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Special offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this ubank Flex Home Loan
-
Offset Home Loan
- Owner Occupier
- LVR<60%
- Principal & Interest
- Interest rate
-
6.14
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.39
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$3,043
Ability to open up to 10 offset accounts per loan account. Fast online application. Linked Debit Mastercard® with fee-free access at ATMs across Australia. Package a credit card with your home loan and the annual card fee will be waived (T&Cs apply). 40% deposit required.
- Interest rate
-
6.14
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.39
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$350
- Ongoing fees
-
$248.00 yearly
- Discharge fee
-
$400.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - free
- Redraw facility
-
yes - free
- Offset account
-
yes
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 60.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- $150,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- $10,000,000
- Type of mortgage
- Variable
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Monthly
- Special offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this Macquarie Offset Home Loan
-
Basic Home Loan
- Fixed
- Owner Occupier
- Principal & Interest
- LVR<70%
- Interest rate
-
6.25
%
p.a.
Fixed 3 years
- Comparison rate
-
6.20
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$3,079
No upfront or ongoing fees. Free extra repayments and redraw facility. Option to earn Qantas points. Min 30% deposit required. Borrow up to $10,000,000.
- Interest rate
-
6.25
%
p.a.
Fixed 3 years
- Comparison rate
-
6.20
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$350
- Ongoing fees
-
$0.00
- Discharge fee
-
$400.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - up to $10,000 p.a.
- Redraw facility
-
yes - free
- Offset account
-
no
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 70.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- $150,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- $10,000,000
- Type of mortgage
- Fixed
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Monthly
- Special offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this Macquarie Basic Home Loan
-
Offset Home Loan
- Fixed
- Owner Occupier
- Principal & Interest
- LVR <70%
- Interest rate
-
6.25
%
p.a.
Fixed 3 years
- Comparison rate
-
6.42
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$3,079
- Interest rate
-
6.25
%
p.a.
Fixed 3 years
- Comparison rate
-
6.42
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$350
- Ongoing fees
-
$248.00 yearly
- Discharge fee
-
$400.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - up to $10,000 p.a.
- Redraw facility
-
yes - free
- Offset account
-
yes
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 70.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- $150,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- $10,000,000
- Type of mortgage
- Fixed
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Monthly
- Special offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this Macquarie Offset Home Loan
-
Fixed Rate
- Owner Occupier
- Principal & Interest
- <80% LVR
- Interest rate
-
6.54
%
p.a.
Fixed 2 years
- Comparison rate
-
7.10
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$3,174
Enjoy up to $3000 cashback for eligible first home buyers and $2000 cashback for refinancers on eligible home loans with the ANZ Fixed Rate Home Loan. Get the security of repayment certainty with a competitive locked in rate. No ongoing fees to pay. Offset account on 1-year fixed loans ($10/month fee applies). Interest-only payments allowed.
- Interest rate
-
6.54
%
p.a.
Fixed 2 years
- Comparison rate
-
7.10
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$160
- Ongoing fees
-
$0.00
- Discharge fee
-
$160.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - free up to to lesser of 5% of original fixed loan amount, or $5,000 each year
- Redraw facility
-
no
- Offset account
-
Optional - $10 per month - 1 year fixed term only
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 80.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- $20,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- -
- Type of mortgage
- Fixed
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Special offers
- $3,000 cashback for eligible First Home Buyers, $2,000 cashback when you refinance loans of $250k+, apply from 1 Dec 2022, settle within 180 days.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this ANZ Fixed Rate
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* WARNING: This comparison rate applies only to the example or examples given. Different amounts and terms will result in different comparison rates. Costs such as redraw fees or early repayment fees, and cost savings such as fee waivers, are not included in the comparison rate but may influence the cost of the loan. The comparison rate displayed is for a secured loan with monthly principal and interest repayments for $150,000 over 25 years.
** Initial monthly repayment figures are estimates only, based on the advertised rate. You can change the loan amount and term in the input boxes at the top of this table. Rates, fees and charges and therefore the total cost of the loan may vary depending on your loan amount, loan term, and credit history. Actual repayments will depend on your individual circumstances and interest rate changes.
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