Borrow
‘Most Australians are through the worst’ as mortgage repayments resume
Borrow
‘Most Australians are through the worst’ as mortgage repayments resume
In a positive sign for the Australian economy, nearly 7 in 10 Australians who paused payments due to the COVID-19 pandemic have resumed repaying their mortgages, new figures have shown.
‘Most Australians are through the worst’ as mortgage repayments resume
In a positive sign for the Australian economy, nearly 7 in 10 Australians who paused payments due to the COVID-19 pandemic have resumed repaying their mortgages, new figures have shown.

The Australian Banking Association (ABA) said the fall in deferred loans are now less than 300,000, which is a sign of Australians “bouncing back” from financial hardships.
“This is an encouraging sign that most Australians are through the worst,” said ABA CEO Anna Bligh.
“Australian banks have played a major role in carrying the economic burden of the pandemic for their customers. The good news is that the majority are now bouncing back as they restart their loan repayments,” she said.
The value of deferred loans by the seven largest banks has now fallen below $100 billion – down to $86 billion. This figure peaked at more than $250 billion in June.

According to the latest data up to 4 November, home loan deferrals by the seven largest banks are down to fewer than 145,000.
Total business loan deferrals have fallen to fewer than 73,000. SME loan deferrals are down to just over 65,000.
The number of loans on hold is expected to fall further in coming weeks as more reach the end of their six-month deferrals.
“It’s great to see a lower than expected number of people needing to extend their deferral period,” Ms Bligh said.
The CEO told consumers who are still struggling that the banks will continue to support customers through the pandemic.
“Don’t wait till you are in over your head. Talk to your bank; they’ll help you find a way through this. Don’t tough it out on your own,” Ms Bligh concluded.
About the author

About the author


Loans
The mortgage-regret economy: Why borrower confusion is reshaping Australia’s home-loan playbook
Mortgage regret has become a measurable market force, driving record refinancing, rising arrears off a low base, and a scramble by lenders and brokers to redesign the borrower journey. With the ...Read more

Loans
SME lending becomes the new gold rush as banks shift focus beyond home loans
Mortgage broking is maturing, and the next growth curve is hiding in plain sight: small business credit. With Australia’s SME lending pool topping roughly $631 billion in early 2024 and growing at ...Read more

Loans
First-home buyers' $31k blunder reshapes Australia's mortgage game
Australia’s $11.6 trillion housing market is booming again, but so are regrets among first-time borrowers who moved too quickly. A new wave of early refinances, broker-led interventions and lender ...Read more

Loans
ANZ’s self-employed rethink: mainstreaming cashflow credit in Australian mortgages
ANZ’s policy shift for self-employed borrowers is more than a documentation tweak — it’s a signal that cashflow-based underwriting is moving into the mainstream. Read more

Loans
Navigating the Australian student loan landscape: Options for financing your education
Securing financing for post-secondary education is a significant step for many Australians, offering a pathway to advancing career prospects and achieving personal growth. Read more

Loans
Secured vs. unsecured personal loans: Which is right for you?
When considering a personal loan in Australia, one of the first decisions you'll face is whether to opt for a secured or an unsecured loan. Each type has distinct advantages and drawbacks, and the ...Read more

Loans
Weighing up interest-only home loans: What Australian borrowers need to know
Interest-only home loans have become a topic of considerable interest among Australian borrowers, offering a unique approach to home financing. This type of loan allows borrowers to pay only the ...Read more

Loans
Bridging loans demystified: Navigating your next property purchase in Australia
Navigating the property market can be daunting, especially when timing issues arise between selling your current home and purchasing a new one. Bridging loans offers a solution, providing the ...Read more

Loans
The mortgage-regret economy: Why borrower confusion is reshaping Australia’s home-loan playbook
Mortgage regret has become a measurable market force, driving record refinancing, rising arrears off a low base, and a scramble by lenders and brokers to redesign the borrower journey. With the ...Read more

Loans
SME lending becomes the new gold rush as banks shift focus beyond home loans
Mortgage broking is maturing, and the next growth curve is hiding in plain sight: small business credit. With Australia’s SME lending pool topping roughly $631 billion in early 2024 and growing at ...Read more

Loans
First-home buyers' $31k blunder reshapes Australia's mortgage game
Australia’s $11.6 trillion housing market is booming again, but so are regrets among first-time borrowers who moved too quickly. A new wave of early refinances, broker-led interventions and lender ...Read more

Loans
ANZ’s self-employed rethink: mainstreaming cashflow credit in Australian mortgages
ANZ’s policy shift for self-employed borrowers is more than a documentation tweak — it’s a signal that cashflow-based underwriting is moving into the mainstream. Read more

Loans
Navigating the Australian student loan landscape: Options for financing your education
Securing financing for post-secondary education is a significant step for many Australians, offering a pathway to advancing career prospects and achieving personal growth. Read more

Loans
Secured vs. unsecured personal loans: Which is right for you?
When considering a personal loan in Australia, one of the first decisions you'll face is whether to opt for a secured or an unsecured loan. Each type has distinct advantages and drawbacks, and the ...Read more

Loans
Weighing up interest-only home loans: What Australian borrowers need to know
Interest-only home loans have become a topic of considerable interest among Australian borrowers, offering a unique approach to home financing. This type of loan allows borrowers to pay only the ...Read more

Loans
Bridging loans demystified: Navigating your next property purchase in Australia
Navigating the property market can be daunting, especially when timing issues arise between selling your current home and purchasing a new one. Bridging loans offers a solution, providing the ...Read more