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

By Cameron Thomson · · 2 min read
Fact Checked
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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…

Home loan comparisons on Mozo - last updated 3 May 2024

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  • Featured Product
    Mozo Expert Choice Badge
    Unloan Variable

    Owner Occupier, LVR <80%

    variable rate
    comparison rate
    Initial monthly repayment
    5.99% p.a.
    5.90% p.a.

    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.

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  • Basic Home Loan

    Owner Occupier, LVR<60%, Principal & Interest

    variable rate
    comparison rate
    Initial monthly repayment
    6.14% p.a.
    6.16% p.a.

    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.

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  • Flex Home Loan

    Owner Occupier, Principal & Interest, LVR <60%

    variable rate
    comparison rate
    Initial monthly repayment
    6.19% p.a.
    6.43% p.a.

    Competitive variable rate. Multiple offset accounts available. Borrowers can also make extra repayments. Redraw facility available. Simple online application process. 40% deposit required.

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    Details
  • Variable Home Loan 90

    Principal and Interest, LVR <90%

    variable rate
    comparison rate
    Initial monthly repayment
    6.04% p.a.
    6.06% p.a.

    Affordable home loan rate for buyers or refinancers. No monthly or ongoing fees. Option to add an offset for 0.10%. Access to savings with unlimited redraws available. Minimum 10% deposit required.

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  • Elevate

    Owner Occupier, Principal & Interest, <80% LVR

    variable rate
    comparison rate
    Initial monthly repayment
    6.09% p.a.
    6.20% p.a.

    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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    Details
  • Mortgage Simplifier

    LVR<80%, Owner Occupier, Principal & Interest

    variable rate
    comparison rate
    Initial monthly repayment
    6.14% p.a.
    6.17% p.a.

    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.

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  • Offset Home Loan

    Package, Owner Occupier, LVR<60%, Principal & Interest

    variable rate
    comparison rate
    Initial monthly repayment
    6.14% p.a.
    6.39% p.a.

    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.

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Need help with refinancing?

You might have questions that need personal answers. We’ve teamed up with the mortgage brokers at Lendi to get you the answers you need, and a home loan deal you deserve.

Learn more

* 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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