Data shows one in three homeowners struggling with repayments ahead of latest cash rate rise
More than one in three Australian homeowners reported difficulty meeting their mortgage repayments in January 2026, according to new figures from Finder’s Consumer Sentiment Tracker.
The research indicates that 35% of borrowers – around 1.16 million people – struggled with their home loan commitments during the month.
The share of mortgagors under stress has eased only slightly from 36% in January 2025, but remains significantly higher than the 24% recorded in January 2022. The findings suggest that, despite some adjustment to higher rates, a large cohort of borrowers continues to face repayment pressure.
The data also point to a rise in missed payments. In the six months to January 2026, 12% of Australian mortgage holders said they had failed to make at least one repayment. Around half of this group reported missing a single instalment, while the remainder admitted to missing more than one, underscoring a growing risk of arrears for lenders and brokers to monitor.
Affordability concerns extend beyond existing homeowners. Among Australians who do not yet own a property, 36% said they did not believe they would ever be able to afford a home.
“More than one in three homeowners were struggling to pay their mortgage before the RBA hiked the cash rate in February,” said Richard Whitten (pictured right), home loans expert at Finder. “Even the small rise in interest rates could push thousands of borrowers further into stress.
“Many households are already cutting back on spending just to keep up with their home loans – it’s a silent strain on families. And the cost of living has continued to rise. So rising loan repayments only add to the strain.
“Now is the time to explore your mortgage options before stress turns into a crisis. If you haven’t refinanced or asked your lender for a better deal, there’s a good chance you’re paying too much. Even shaving just half a percentage point off your home loan can save you thousands of dollars.”
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