Nearly 2 million Australians facing mortgage stress
31.8 per cent of mortgage holders are at risk of mortgage stress, affecting nearly two million Australian families.
Interest rate rises are pushing millions of Australian families to breaking point. Roy Morgan data shows 31.8 per cent of mortgage holders face mortgage stress as of September 2026, and the number is expected to climb.
For households desperately trying to stretch every dollar to cover their mortgage, groceries, energy bills and other essentials, the pressure is mounting. The good news: help is available and free.
If you are falling behind, contact your lender early. They have hardship programs that do not hurt your credit score.
More than 280,000 Australians used hardship assistance in the past two years, citing overcommitment, reduced income, medical issues or unemployment.
- 31.8%
- Mortgage holders in stress
- Nearly 2 million
- Australian families affected
- Three months to September 2026
- Data period
- 280,000+
- Hardship assistance users in 2 years
Why it mattersIf mortgage payments become impossible, families risk losing their homes. Early contact with lenders can prevent that.
AustraliaAffects millions of Australian mortgage holders. Lenders are offering hardship programs to help struggling homeowners avoid defaults.
Corroborated bybordermail.com.au·canberratimes.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 4 h ago
