The report details a surge in 30+ day mortgage arrears, striking 1.21% in Q4 2023—a noticeable leap of 10 basis points over the previous quarter. This incremental yet steady uptick since December 2022 poses a stark contrast to the multi-decade lows experienced earlier that year. Furthermore, the report spotlights a significant hike in early-stage arrears where delinquencies between 30 and 60 days have ascended by six basis points to 0.45%, the highest recorded since early 2016.
An annual escalation in arrange numbers typically occurs in the final quarter; however, this year's upturn has exceeded previous patterns, hinting at the pressure applied by sustained inflation and the cumulative 4.25% rise in official interest rates since May 2022. Such financial pressures are beginning to leave a noticeable imprint on numerous Australian borrowers.
The disparity in payment regularity is even more pronounced within non-conforming mortgage indexes, as these segments marked a substantial increase in delinquencies. The rate of mortgages exceeding 30 days in arrears rose by 24 basis points, and those surpassing 90 days grew by 28 basis points, from the previous quarter.
Scrutinizing Australia's household finances, we find that since the onset of 2022, there has been an approximately seven percent drop in real disposable income when considering inflation and interest payment adjustments. Whilst dwelling values persist in reaching new zeniths, growth in house prices continues to bolster the collateral value significantly.
National median home values have crossed the threshold of $1.09 million, with noteworthy cities such as Sydney and Melbourne quoting medians of $1.6 million and $1.1 million, respectively, paving the way for a strain on affordability for the average Australian.
Projections from Fitch suggest that housing prices could inflate further by four to six percent come 2024. Supply constraints, a pressurized rental market, and robust migration patterns reinforce this expectation. They also provide some solace for mortgage holders that asset-backed losses are likely to remain low, cushioned by substantial equity accrued through a prolonged period of property value appreciation.
Published:Tuesday, 26th Mar 2024
Source: Paige Estritori
![]() | NAB Offers a Glimmer of Hope with Fresh Interest Rate Cut 23 Jul 2024: Paige Estritori Australian home seekers facing stiff challenges may find a bit of relief from an unexpected source: NAB, one of the country's financial giants. The bank has recently slashed its three-year fixed home loan interest rate by a notable 0.6%, bringing it down to 5.99%. - read more |
![]() | Australian Markets React to Employment Data: Shares Narrowly Lower 20 Jul 2024: Paige Estritori The Australian sharemarket experienced a modest pullback on Thursday, ending a day of fluctuations just shy of its recent peak. A day following the celebration of a fresh 52-week high, the market's mood shifted. - read more |
![]() | ANZ Prepares to Finalize $4.9B Suncorp Acquisition 18 Jul 2024: Paige Estritori ANZ is poised to officially acquire Suncorp's banking sector on August 1, following recent modifications to Queensland's legislative framework essential for the $4.9 billion transaction. - read more |
![]() | Housing Crisis in Australia: Deeper Trouble Ahead 16 Jul 2024: Paige Estritori Australia is grappling with an increasingly severe housing crisis as rising interest rates and skyrocketing construction costs stifle the supply of new homes. Experts fear that the national goal of constructing 1.2 million new homes over the next five years will remain out of reach. - read more |
![]() | Australian Households Face Toughest Economic Times Since '90s 15 Jul 2024: Paige Estritori As Australia's economic climate continues to worsen, households are encountering unprecedented financial challenges, marking the gravest consumer recession since the early 1990s, excluding the impacts of recent pandemic-related downturns. - read more |
![]() | Banks Set for Major Refunds to Assist Struggling Customers 15 Jul 2024: Paige Estritori In a groundbreaking move, four prominent Australian banks are poised to return nearly $30 million to their low-income customers. This significant refund follows an in-depth review by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). - read more |
![]() | Financial Adviser Head Count Sees Marginal Gains 13 Jul 2024: Paige Estritori The landscape of financial advisers in Australia continues to be dynamic with numbers showcasing a slight growth after a period of declines. In the latest analysis by WealthData, Australia faced a modest net increase of 39 financial advisers this week, coming off the Financial Adviser Register (FAR). - read more |
![]() | Aussie Incomes Take a Nosedive Amid Global Struggles 11 Jul 2024: Paige Estritori In an unsettling turn of events, Australian households have experienced one of the most dramatic drop-offs in real per capita household disposable incomes globally. - read more |
![]() | Potential Perils of Stage 3 Tax Cuts Unveiled 11 Jul 2024: Paige Estritori As Australians anticipate padded pocketbooks from Stage 3 tax cuts, emerging concerns involve the risk of increased inflation that could pressure mortgage holders with steeper interest rates, posits an economist. - read more |
![]() | The Psychological Impact of Debt: Strategies for Stress Relief and Better Fiscal Health It is no secret that the foundation of financial well-being is rooted in effective budgeting. In today's fast-paced world, where consumerism reigns, understanding how to manage one's finances has never been more crucial. Budgeting is not merely about restraining spending; it’s about creating a strategic plan that aligns with your financial goals and lifestyle. It allows individuals to gain control over their money, rather than letting their spending habits dictate their life course. - read more
|
![]() | Secured Versus Unsecured: Which Loan Option Aligns with Your Financial Goals? The landscape of personal financing is broad and varied, particularly in the Australian market where individuals have access to an array of loan options. When considering lending, the fundamental distinction to comprehend is that between 'secured' and 'unsecured' loans. - read more
|
![]() | Debt Consolidation Strategies: How to Regain Control of Your Finances Debt can often feel like a formidable obstacle on the path to financial stability. Many individuals battle with various forms of debt, from high-interest credit cards to significant loans that seem to have an unyielding grip on their financial lives. Recognizing the challenges that debt presents is the critical first step towards regaining control of your personal finances. - read more
|
![]() | Budgeting Basics: How to Create a Stress-Free Financial Plan Budgeting is often seen as a restrictive practice, something that curtails fun and spontaneity. However, the truth is quite the contrary. Proper budgeting is a fundamental aspect of nurturing financial well-being. It's about understanding your income, controlling your spending, and ensuring that you prioritize saving and investing. A well-crafted budget can lead to a stress-free financial life by giving you a clear view of where your money is going and where you can potentially save. - read more
|
![]() | How to Create a Budget That Really Works for You Budgeting is a foundational skill in the realm of personal finance, and as crucial as setting the sails is to a captain navigating through treacherous waters. Just as steady winds propel a ship towards its destination, a well-structured budget guides individuals towards their financial goals with confidence and control. - read more
|
![]() | Bad Credit? Here's How You Can Still Get a Competitive Personal Loan In the landscape of modern finance, credit scores can often feel like gatekeepers to our goals, barring or granting access to essential funding when we need it most. The truth is, debt is as common as it is complex, threading through the lives of many with silent tenacity. Understanding its prevalence is the first step in navigating the choppy financial waters it can create. - read more
|
![]() | Taking Control: Steps to Improve Your Credit and Secure the Loan You Need Your credit score is much more than just a number; it's a reflection of your financial history and a determining factor in securing future loans. Understanding how bad credit can affect your loan applications is crucial in today's financial landscape. Bad credit can lead to frustration and disappointment when looking for a competitive loan offer, but don't lose heart—there are actionable steps you can take to improve your situation. - read more
|
![]() | The Smart Borrower's Guide: Understanding Interest Rates on Small Loans When it comes to borrowing money, whether it's for personal use or for your small business, understanding interest rates is paramount. An interest rate, simply put, is the cost you pay to borrow money. It's typically expressed as a percentage of the principal amount you're loaned. This fee is how lenders earn on the funds they lend and is a key component you should consider before signing a loan agreement. - read more
|
![]() | Loan Hunting with Confidence: How to Check Options Without Credit Damage Embarking on the journey to secure a loan can feel like navigating a minefield with your credit score as the prize. It's no secret that your credit score is your financial fingerprint, impacting not just your loan prospects but also the terms you're offered. However, the act of loan hunting itself, if not done carefully, can take a toll on this crucial number. Each loan application could potentially trigger a hard inquiry, which might lower your score, making the quest for financial assistance a double-edged sword. - read more
|
![]() |
Taking Control: Steps to Improve Your Credit and Secure the Loan You Need Your credit score is much more than just a number; it's a reflection of your financial history and a determining factor in securing future loans. Understanding how bad credit can affect your loan applications is crucial in today's financial landscape. Bad credit can lead to frustration and disappointment when looking for a competitive loan offer, but don't lose heart—there are actionable steps you can take to improve your situation. - read more
|
![]() |
Bad Credit? Here's How You Can Still Get a Competitive Personal Loan In the landscape of modern finance, credit scores can often feel like gatekeepers to our goals, barring or granting access to essential funding when we need it most. The truth is, debt is as common as it is complex, threading through the lives of many with silent tenacity. Understanding its prevalence is the first step in navigating the choppy financial waters it can create. - read more
|
![]() |
Secured Versus Unsecured: Which Loan Option Aligns with Your Financial Goals? The landscape of personal financing is broad and varied, particularly in the Australian market where individuals have access to an array of loan options. When considering lending, the fundamental distinction to comprehend is that between 'secured' and 'unsecured' loans. - read more
|
![]() |
The Smart Borrower's Guide: Understanding Interest Rates on Small Loans When it comes to borrowing money, whether it's for personal use or for your small business, understanding interest rates is paramount. An interest rate, simply put, is the cost you pay to borrow money. It's typically expressed as a percentage of the principal amount you're loaned. This fee is how lenders earn on the funds they lend and is a key component you should consider before signing a loan agreement. - read more
|