New home loan data: Borrowers remain resilient, but mortgage stress is growing

New data from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has found that home loan borrowers are generally staying on top of their mortgage payments, but there are some early warning signs of growing mortgage stress. 

How are home loans doing?

As of December 2023, loans that are 30-89 days past due have marginally increased from 0.4% a year ago to 0.6%. The share of non-performing loans (loans that haven't been paid or repaid for a while) also rose from 0.7% to 0.9% over the same period.

However, the vast majority of borrowers are still managing to make their payments on time, even in the face of significantly higher interest rates compared to a year ago. 

The share of new loans with high debt-to-income ratios above 6x (that is six times the debt amount to income) has nearly halved from 11% to 5.6%. This could mean that banks are being more cautious about lending to overstretched borrowers or that Aussies are moving away from excessive home loans and repayments.

If inflation were to suddenly bump up again and interest rates were pushed up, it would put further pressure on household budgets and expand the cohort of stressed borrowers. 

How is the banking system holding up?

The banking system as a whole looks like it’s in a pretty good position, despite current economic conditions. Australia Deposit Insitutitions have continued to increase their capital buffers, with the total capital ratio rising by 2.3 percentage points over the year up to 20%. (In short capital ratios show a bank’s ability to pay liabilities and handle risks).

Overall, while there are some cracks, Australia's mortgage market is holding up despite facing off against a high interest rate environment. 

No matter the economic conditions, borrowers should make sure they’re getting a good home loan interest rate by comparing providers. You can check out our best home loan page for more or look at some lenders in the tables below…

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Last updated 22 November 2024 Important disclosures and comparison rate warning*

Home loan comparisons on Mozo

  • Unloan Variable

    • Owner Occupier
    • LVR <80%
    Interest rate
    5.99 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.90 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,995
    Go to site

    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.

  • Unloan Variable

    • Owner Occupier
    • LVR <80%
    Interest rate
    5.99 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.90 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,995
    Go to site

    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.

  • Budget Home Loan

    • LVR <80%
    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    Interest rate
    6.04 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.07 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,011
    Go to site

    Enjoy a discounted variable home loan from IMB. Get up to $4,000 cashback (T&Cs apply). Life-of-loan discount off IMB’s standard variable interest rate. Unrestricted additional repayments. Free Internet and Mobile Banking redraws (T&Cs apply). No monthly fees to pay. Up to a 30 year loan term. Split loan available. No offset account.

  • Mortgage Simplifier

    • LVR<80%
    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    Interest rate
    6.14 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.17 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,043

    Get a competitive variable rate with ING’s Mortgage Simplifier. Free extra repayments, no monthly or annual fees. Freedom to make free extra repayments or redraws.

  • Elevate

    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • <80% LVR
    Interest rate
    6.18 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.18 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,056

    Get competitive rates on loan terms of 5 to 30 years with the Aussie Elevate Home Loan. Structure your loan with up to five splits. Make additional repayments (T&Cs apply). Offset accounts available. Unlimited redraw using your online banking account. Choose from weekly, fortnightly or monthly payments For loan amounts from $10,000 to $5 million.

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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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