Struggling with Mortgage Payments? You are Not Alone: 1.2 Million Aussie Households Affected

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 impact of rising mortgage rates on Australian households is a growing concern, according to Roy Morgan Research.

The research firm has conducted a study that models the effects of the current 3.1% increase in the Official Cash Rate (OCR) and the possibility of two more 0.25% rate hikes in February and March.

The findings show that 23.9% of Australian mortgage holders, or 1.1 million households, are already categorized as "At Risk," meaning their mortgage payments exceed a certain percentage of their income. This is the highest level of mortgage stress since July 2013.

If the Reserve Bank goes ahead with the 0.25% rate hikes, the study predicts that mortgage stress will affect 1.2 million households, or 26.3% of mortgage holders. Roy Morgan cautions that this is a conservative estimate and does not account for other factors that may affect the ability of households to pay their mortgages, such as job loss.

Since April 2022, average variable mortgage repayments have increased by 41%, and a further 0.5% rate hike could push them up by 48%. This would result in an additional $1,071 per month for a borrower with a $500,000 variable mortgage.

Another factor adding to the stress on mortgage holders is the expiration of rock-bottom fixed mortgage rates that were offered during the pandemic. Approximately 40% of mortgages originated during this period had rates of around 2.25%, and two-thirds of these will reset to higher rates by the end of 2023, putting even more pressure on already stressed household budgets.

Published:Monday, 30th Jan 2023
Author: Paige Estritori

Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.

Share this news item:

Finance News

Impact of the 5% Deposit Scheme on Affordable Housing Prices

01 May 2026: Paige Estritori

Recent data indicates that the Australian Government's expansion of the 5% deposit scheme has significantly influenced the affordable housing market. In the six months following the scheme's October 2025 expansion, properties priced below the government's set caps experienced a 6.7% price increase, nearly doubling the 3.6% rise observed in higher-priced properties. This trend underscores the scheme's role in intensifying demand for entry-level homes. - read more

Declining Housing Affordability Amid Increased First-Home Buyer Demand

01 May 2026: Paige Estritori

The Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) has released a report indicating a decline in housing affordability during the December 2025 quarter. The expansion of the 5% deposit scheme has led to a surge in first-home buyer activity, resulting in higher average loan sizes and increased financial strain on households. - read more

Surge in First-Home Buyer Loans Post Home Guarantee Scheme Expansion

01 May 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has reported a significant increase in first-home buyer lending following the expansion of the Home Guarantee Scheme. In the December 2025 quarter, the value of new loans to first-home buyers rose by 15.5%, reaching $19.3 billion. This marks the second-highest quarterly total on record, surpassed only by figures from March 2021. - read more

Click for more Finance News

Finance Articles

The In-Depth Guide to Boat Loans in Australia: What You Need to Know Before Diving In

Australia, with its expansive coastline and spectacular waterways, naturally cultivates a rich culture of marine enthusiasts. Imagine the salty breeze on your face as you slice through waves, the call of seabirds overhead, and the freedom to explore hidden coves and beaches – this is the quintessential Australian boating lifestyle. - read more

Essential Tips for Choosing the Right Personal Loan in Australia

Personal loans are a type of financing option that individuals can use to fund various personal expenses. Unlike mortgages or car loans, they aren't earmarked for a specific purpose, giving borrowers more flexibility in how they use the funds. These loans are usually unsecured, which means you don’t have to provide collateral to borrow money. - read more

The Role of Business Insurance in Protecting Your Australian Enterprise

Starting and running a business in Australia can be an exhilarating experience, full of opportunities for growth and success. However, it also comes with its fair share of risks and uncertainties. From unexpected natural disasters to potential legal disputes, the threats to the sustainability of a business are ever-present. This is where business insurance becomes pivotal as a protective tool for Australian enterprises. It provides the much-needed safety net to help businesses mitigate potential losses and continue operations with confidence. - read more

Knowledgebase

Balloon Payment.:
A large loan repayment made in order to clear a debt. Usually applied to a short-term fixed-rate loan, which involves small payments for a certain period of time with one large payment for the remaining amount of the principal at a time specified in the future.

This website is owned and operated by Clark Family Pty Ltd (ACN 010 281 008) as Trustee for the Clark Family Trust (ABN 35 957 893 714), 43 Larch Street Tallebudgera QLD 4228. Clark Family Pty Ltd is an Authorised Representative (AR 1298860) of Unique Group Broker Services Pty Ltd (AFSL 509434) for financial product referrals and an Authorised Credit Representative (ACR 401491) of Saccasan Pty Ltd (ACL 386297). Check our licensing details on the ASIC registers: Clark Family Pty Ltd ACR, Clark Family Pty Ltd AR, Saccasan Pty Ltd, Unique Group Broker Services.

IMPORTANT: We act solely as an introducer and refer enquiries to licensed third-party brokers, insurers, and lenders. We do not provide financial product advice or credit assistance. We may receive a fee or commission from these third parties in consideration for the referral. Before any action is taken to obtain a product or service referred to by this website, advice should be obtained (from either the third party to whom we refer you or from another qualified intermediary) as to the appropriateness of obtaining those products having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. Whilst we have our own process for validating the legitimacy of our referral partners, you should independently verify the credentials and licensing of any adviser or provider you engage. Visit the ASIC website for further information.

Struggling with Mortgage Payments? You are Not Alone: 1.2 Million Aussie Households Affected

Struggling with Mortgage Payments? You are Not Alone: 1.2 Million Aussie Households Affected

Share this news item:

Free Loan Eligibility Assessment