New South Wales Faces Steepest Climb in Mortgage Payments
New South Wales Faces Steepest Climb in Mortgage Payments
3
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 landscape of housing affordability across Australia has seen New South Wales (New South Wales) residents bearing the heaviest burden, with new data indicating a significant portion of family incomes consumed by mortgage obligations.
Research conducted by the Real Estate Institute of Australia highlights a bleak milestone for New South Wales as alarming figures demonstrate that families are now allocating an average of 58.5% of their weekly income to service home loans. This surge has caused mortgage repayments to swell, with a noticeable uptick of about $800 monthly compared to figures from the end of the previous year.
The predicament for renters in New South Wales also remains distressing. Although there's been a slight dip in costs, the proportion of median family earnings required for rental payments continues to eclipse that of other regions, with nearly one-third - 27.3% - of income devoted to rent.
In contrast, Victoria, New South Wales’s neighbour, presented a moderately brighter scenario despite experiencing its own slide in both rental and housing affordability in the concluding quarter of 2023. Victorians found themselves committing 46.8% of their weekly earnings to mortgage repayments, up by 1.6% from the prior quarter.
Meanwhile, statistics show the Sunshine State of Queensland occupying the third rank in affordability pressures, with home loans consuming 45.1% of family incomes and rent, 22.3%.
Closely tracking Queensland are South Australia and Tasmania where the portion of family incomes servicing loans stands at 44.3% and 43.4%, respectively.
Conversely, the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) emerged as regions with a more manageable impact on weekly incomes. In particular, the ACT’s inhabitants allocated less than one-fifth of their income to rent and just over one-third to mortgage repayments. Highlighting the disparity, ACT families typically boast a weekly income surplus of nearly $800 compared to those in New South Wales and face considerably smaller home loan principals.
The affordability index improves further when considering the Northern Territory and Western Australia. Families in these regions enjoy relatively lesser financial strains, dedicating 33% (NT) and a marginally higher portion of their income in WA to loan obligations, with WA seeing a $600 monthly increase from the previous year.
ACT typically commands higher incomes and smaller loan amounts compared to New South Wales.
The Northern Territory households spend approximately 33% of their weekly income on home loan repayments and 24% on rent.
Fresh insights into market dynamics reveal an impressive 16.8% surge in first-time homeowners within the final trimester of 2023. Approximately 31,445 families forged ahead into homeownership, with the prospective buyer influx peaking in New South Wales, despite daunting affordability metrics. Nevertheless, Victoria outpaced all with both the highest count of first-time buyers and the acquisition of new home loans.
While South Australia, Tasmania, Western Australia, and the ACT enjoyed growth in homebuyer numbers, Queensland and the Northern Territory maintained consistent figures.
Published:Sunday, 17th Mar 2024 Source: Paige Estritori
Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.
The Australian Finance Industry Association (AFIA) has recently introduced its Finance Industry Code of Practice, marking a significant advancement in the non-bank lending and specialist banking sectors. This pioneering initiative aims to establish a new standard for integrity, transparency, and fairness within the industry. - read more
Australia is currently experiencing a housing 'super cycle,' characterised by a substantial increase in demand for new homes. This surge is driven by a chronic undersupply of housing, demographic shifts, and evolving lifestyle preferences. For mortgage brokers, this trend presents a unique opportunity to expand their client base and services. Find out now if you qualify and compare rates, offers and options from multiple lenders - without a credit check! - read more
Australian non-bank lender Moneytech has announced a strategic integration with Xero, the global small business accounting platform. This partnership aims to provide small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with a more efficient and streamlined process for accessing working capital. - read more
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is currently assessing whether further reductions in interest rates are necessary, following recent economic data indicating increased consumer spending and persistent inflation in certain sectors. This evaluation comes after the RBA's decision to hold the cash rate steady at 3.60% in September, subsequent to three cuts earlier in the year. - read more
The Federal Court of Australia has issued permanent injunctions against Cigno Australia Pty Ltd and BSF Solutions Pty Ltd, preventing them from engaging in unlicensed credit activities and charging prohibited fees. This ruling follows findings that, between July 2022 and October 2023, the companies provided loans totaling $34 million to over 100,000 consumers, while charging fees exceeding $70 million, all without holding an Australian Credit Licence. - read more
Australia is experiencing a surge in investments in Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) as the nation aggressively pursues its goal of achieving 82% renewable energy by 2030. This transition, driven by rapid expansion of solar and wind infrastructure and the closure of coal plants, has created a growing demand for flexible energy storage solutions. - read more
Recent data reveals a significant resurgence in property investor activity within Australia's mortgage market. In the three months leading up to June 2025, investor loans accounted for 38% of new mortgages, marking the highest proportion since 2017. This uptick translates to nearly 50,000 loans valued at approximately $33 billion. - read more
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has released its October 2025 Financial Stability Review, providing a comprehensive assessment of the nation's financial health. The report concludes that Australia's financial system remains well-positioned to navigate the current global economic uncertainties. - read more
In a strategic move to streamline operations, ANZ Bank has announced plans to reduce its workforce by 3,500 employees by September 2026. This decision is part of the bank's broader initiative to enhance operational efficiency and reduce redundancy within its organisational structure. - read more
The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) has reported a record full-year cash profit of A$10.25 billion for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. This impressive financial performance is attributed to robust growth in both home and business lending sectors. - read more
Managing debt effectively is crucial for young adults, especially as they start building their financial independence. Understanding how to manage debt properly can help you avoid financial pitfalls and set you up for a stable future. - read more
When it comes to securing a loan, the terms you agree to can have a lasting impact on your financial wellness. It's crucial to strike a balance between finding a loan that fits your needs and maintaining a healthy credit score. This delicate equilibrium is where loan comparison tools come into play, serving as navigational aids in the vast sea of credit options. - read more
Understanding the mechanics behind credit scores is pivotal for anyone navigating the intricate world of finance. A strong credit score does not only unlock the gates to a plethora of borrowing options but also secures favorable interest rates, which can save you a substantial amount of money over time. It acts as a financial passport, one that enables you to achieve milestones such as purchasing a home or car with ease. - read more
Loan approval can often be a crucial milestone in achieving your financial goals. Whether you're looking to buy a home, pay for education, or consolidate debt, securing a loan can provide the financial boost you need to move forward. - read more
Financial stress is a common issue that affects a large portion of individuals, often due to unexpected expenses, unemployment, or a high cost of living. It can lead to both mental and emotional strain, influencing one's quality of life and decision-making abilities. Credit scores, a critical measurement of financial health, are used by lenders to evaluate the risk of lending money. - read more
Your credit score is a crucial part of your financial health. Essentially, it’s a numerical representation of your creditworthiness, calculated based on your credit history. In Australia, credit scores range from 0 to 1200, with a higher score indicating better creditworthiness. - read more
Maintaining a healthy credit score is crucial for anyone looking to secure their financial future. A good credit score can open doors to better loan rates, more favourable credit card terms, and even housing opportunities. It's something that impacts many major financial decisions you make in life. Without a solid score, you might end up paying more in interest and find it harder to get approval for the things you really need. - read more
Financial stress can feel like an unstoppable force, a cycle of worry that impacts not only our peace of mind but also our fiscal health. It represents the anxiety and pressure associated with the inability to meet financial obligations, be it due to unforeseen expenses, unemployment, or a plethora of other reasons. - read more
A financial crisis can come in many forms, such as a job loss, unexpected medical bills, or an economic downturn. These events can drastically alter your financial stability and may lead to financial distress. - read more
Managing debt is a cornerstone of financial wellness. Whether it's credit card debt, student loans, or a mortgage, keeping debt in check helps you maintain a healthy financial state. High levels of debt can lead to financial stress, impacting your overall well-being and limiting your ability to save for future goals. - read more
Need Help Finding a Loan?
Find out now if you qualify and compare
rates, offers and options from multiple lenders - without a credit check!
All finance quotes are provided free and without obligation. We respect your
privacy.
Knowledgebase
Index Fund: A type of mutual fund designed to replicate the performance of a specific market index, such as the S&P 500.