How much the average mortgage holder needs to save to keep afloat
Share and Follow

RBA cut the cash rate by 25 basis points, bringing it down to 4.10 per cent which will slash the average home loan by around $103 if banks and lenders pass on the decrease.

However, according to research collected by Finder, mortgage holders with an average home loan of $641,416 will still be forking out $3,784 every month.
However, according to research collected by Finder, mortgage holders with an average home loan of $641,416 will still be forking out $3,784 every month. (AAP)

And those with a loan size of $1 million will claw back $154 every month.

Around 35 per cent of borrowers struggled to pay their mortgage in February – meaning 1.2 million homeowners are at financial breaking point, Finder’s Consumer Sentiment Tracker found.

The research found over a third (37 per cent) of borrowers will need to save an additional $500 on their monthly repayments to keep their heads above water.

Another 14 per cent need $1000 slashed from their mortgage repayments to get out of financial stress.

This ideal figure may be out of reach based on ANZ economists’ forecast of only two more rate cuts this year, which would bring the cash rate down to 3.85 per cent.

A for sale sign on a home.

Australia’s fastest-selling homes: top suburbs revealed

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 18: A pedestrian moves past a National Australia Bank Ltd. (NAB) central business district branch  on February 18, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is set to announce its monetary policy decision on February 18, 2025, with many experts predicting a rate cut due to easing inflation and economic conditions. This anticipated cut aims to provide relief to mortgage holders and stimulate economic activity amid concerns about weak household con
Major banks including NAB have passed on the rate cut to customers. (Getty)

“This rate cut is a lifeline for millions of Australians teetering on the edge of mortgage default, but for some, it may be too little, too late,” said Finder head of consumer research Graham Cooke.

“While this rate drop provides some relief, many households will still need to make tough financial decisions to stay afloat.”

As of today, 28 banks and lenders – including Westpac, ANZ, Commonwealth Bank and NAB – have announced plans to pass on the full 0.25 per cent cut to customers.

However, Canstar warned customers that a lower repayment could mean paying thousands more in the lifetime of a home loan.

Another 14 per cent need $1000 slashed from their mortgage repayment. Pictured: RBA governor Michele Bullock. (9News)

Canstar research found a borrower with an average $600,000 debt with 25 years remaining could save $89,143 if they keep the same repayments, providing the RBA makes the standard four cash rate cuts.

“While many people will use this relief to help balance the household budget, those who are in a position to keep their repayments at today’s level could benefit in the long run,” said Canstar data insights director Sally Tindall.

“If you can grit your teeth and tip any savings into your home loan, you’ll thank yourself down the track.”

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Queensland Health in damage control over radiology reports bungle

Queensland Health Manages Radiology Report Errors

Queensland Health bosses are working to contact 9000 patients who had scans…
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, with  Lulu Global Director, Global Operations & Chief Sustainability Officer Mohamed Althaf MM (left) and Lulu Chairman M. A. Yusuff Ali (right) during a visit to Lulu Hypermarket, which imports Australian goods to the UAE,  at Mushrif Mall in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on September 29, 2025.

Australian PM Urges Major International Retailer to Compete with Coles and Woolworths

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has invited a United Arab Emirates retail chain…
Melanoma machine queensland

Australian Researchers Launch Free Online Tool to Assess Melanoma Risk for Users

Queensland researchers have developed an Australian-first free online tool to predict a…
Gus search

Family Heartbroken as Search for Missing Boy Gus Proceeds

The search for missing little boy Gus continues in mid-north South Australia…

Authorities Conduct Manhunt for Escaped Convict Dezi Freeman in Vicinity of Benalla

The long-running manhunt for alleged double police murderer Dezi Freeman has turned…

Australia’s Women’s Cricket Team Targets Historic 40-Year Achievement in World Cup

Australia’s all-conquering generation of women’s cricketers have one last World Cup feat…
A newly installed flag pole stands on the South Lawn of the White House, Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

U.S. Government Shuts Down Amid Congressional Stalemate

The US government has been shut down for the first time in…
Linh Hoang and fiance

Why a Couple Hurried to Purchase Before the New First-Time Home Buyer Program Started

Linh Hoang, 29, was in the middle of a “deflating” journey trying…