As of the end of December 2024, the average mortgage interest rate for Australian owner-occupier borrowers was around 6.1 percent. In comparison, the average investor interest rate was approximately 6.5 percent. These rates refer to outstanding housing loans from banks and registered financial corporations. New loans financed in that month had even higher interest rates, at 6.2 percent for owner-occupiers and 6.5 percent for investors, respectively.

As of November 2024, the average owner-occupier home loan interest rate was the highest in the Australian state of Western Australia, with an average rate of around 6.36 percent. In comparison, the average mortgage interest rate in Victoria was at around 6.26 percent.

The benchmark interest rate in Australia was last recorded at 4.10 percent. This dataset provides - Australia Interest Rate - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

In December 2024, the average variable mortgage interest rate for owner-occupiers in Australia was 7.08 percent. That same month, the average owner-occupier fixed mortgage interest rate was around 0.6 percent lower than the average variable mortgage interest rate.

Mortgage interest rates worldwide varied greatly in 2024, from less than four percent in many European countries, to as high as 44 percent in Turkey. The average mortgage rate in a country depends on the central bank's base lending rate and macroeconomic indicators such as inflation and forecast economic growth. Since 2022, inflationary pressures have led to rapid increase in mortgage interest rates. Which are the leading mortgage markets? An easy way to estimate the importance of the mortgage sector in each country is by comparing household debt depth, or the ratio of the debt held by households compared to the county's GDP. In 2023, Switzerland, Australia, and Canada had some of the highest household debt to GDP ratios worldwide. While this indicator shows the size of the sector relative to the country’s economy, the value of mortgages outstanding allows to compare the market size in different countries. In Europe, for instance, the United Kingdom, Germany, and France were the largest mortgage markets by outstanding mortgage lending. Mortgage lending trends in the U.S. In the United States, new mortgage lending soared in 2021. This was largely due to the growth of new refinance loans that allow homeowners to renegotiate their mortgage terms and replace their existing loan with a more favorable one. Following the rise in interest rates, the mortgage market cooled, and refinance loans declined.

In 2019, the real interest rate in Australia decreased by 1.7 percentage points (-51.2 percent) compared to 2018. This was a significant decrease in the real interest rate. Real interest rate is the adjusted lending interest rate to remove the effects of inflation, as measured by the GDP deflator (implicit price deflator).Find more statistics on other topics about Australia with key insights such as deposit interest rate, domestic credit to the private sector as a share of GDP, and market capitalization of listed domestic companies as a share of GDP.

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Home Equity Lending Market Size 2025-2029

The home equity lending market size is forecast to increase by USD 48.16 billion at a CAGR of 4.7% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth due to several key trends. One major factor driving market expansion is the massive increase in home prices, which has resulted in homeowners having more equity in their properties. Another trend is the rise in residential property values, leading to an increase in the number of homeowners with sufficient equity to access loans or lines of credit, with property management and digital lending playing a significant role in facilitating these transactions.
However, the lengthy procedures involved in securing these loans can present challenges for both lenders and borrowers. Despite this, the benefits of lending, such as lower interest rates compared to other types of debt, make it an attractive option for many consumers looking to finance home improvements, debt consolidation, or other major expenses. Overall, the market is poised for continued growth in the coming years.

What will be the Size of the Home Equity Lending Market During the Forecast Period?

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The market in the United States has experienced significant growth, driven by the increasing collateral value of residential real estate and the resulting equity available to borrowers. Monetary authorities' efforts to keep inflation in check and stable housing prices have contributed to this trend. Homeowners have utilized loans and lines of credit to fund various expenses, including home improvements, tax deductions, and debt consolidation.



The interest rate on these loans often remains competitive with other forms of borrowing, making them an attractive option for many. Banks and credit unions are the primary providers of these loans, offering borrowers the ability to access a lump sum amount or a revolving line of credit secured against their residence and property. Regulatory restrictions on high-interest debt and outstanding mortgages may impact the market's growth, but the demand for loans is expected to remain strong as homeowners continue to seek ways to access the value of their homes.

How is this Home Equity Lending Industry segmented and which is the largest segment?

The home equity lending industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Source

  Mortgage and credit union
  Commercial banks
  Others


Distribution Channel

  Offline
  Online


Geography

  North America

    Canada
    US


  Europe

    Germany
    UK
    France


  APAC

    China
    Japan
    South Korea


  South America



  Middle East and Africa

By Source Insights

The mortgage and credit union segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

Home equity lending is a financing solution for homeowners looking to access the value of their property. Mortgage and credit unions serve as trusted providers in this market, offering various financial services including loans and lines of credit. These institutions not only offer consumer loans but also manage deposits, handle checking and savings accounts, disburse credit and debit cards, and grant house loans. Credit unions, in particular, provide personalized services with live representatives, ensuring a human touch in understanding complex financial matters.

Homeowners can secure competitive rates on loans through credit unions, making them a preferred choice over other lenders. With a strong focus on consumer protection and affordability, mortgage and credit unions are an excellent option for homeowners seeking to tap into their for renovation projects or other financial needs.

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The mortgage and credit union segment was valued at USD 82.39 billion in 2019 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Regional Analysis

North America is estimated to contribute 47% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period.

Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.

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The market in North America experienced notable growth in 2024, driven by the increase in home values and fewer regulations. Homeowners in Canada have been utilizing their properties as collateral for loans, with residential mortgages accounting for 74% of household debt and lines of credit for 16%. The balance of Lines of Credit (HELOC) rose by 1% to USD 128 billion in February 2022.

In January 2025, global inflation rates and central bank interest rates showed significant variation across major economies. Most economies initiated interest rate cuts from mid-2024 due to declining inflationary pressures. The U.S., UK, and EU central banks followed a consistent pattern of regular rate reductions throughout late 2024. In early 2025, Russia maintained the highest interest rate at 21 percent, while Japan retained the lowest at 0.5 percent. Varied inflation rates across major economies The inflation landscape varies considerably among major economies. China had the lowest inflation rate at 0.5 percent in January 2025. In contrast, Russia maintained a high inflation rate of 9.9 percent. These figures align with broader trends observed in early 2025, where China had the lowest inflation rate among major developed and emerging economies, while Russia's rate remained the highest. Central bank responses and economic indicators Central banks globally implemented aggressive rate hikes throughout 2022-23 to combat inflation. The European Central Bank exemplified this trend, raising rates from 0 percent in January 2022 to 4.5 percent by September 2023. A coordinated shift among major central banks began in mid-2024, with the ECB, Bank of England, and Federal Reserve initiating rate cuts, with forecasts suggesting further cuts through 2025 and 2026.

The average price of Australian residential property has risen over the past ten years, and in September 2024, it reached a new high of 985,900 Australian dollars. Nonetheless, property experts in Australia have indicated that the country has been in a property bubble over the past decade, with some believing the market will collapse sometime in the near future. Property prices started declining in 2022; however, a gradual upward trend was witnessed throughout 2023 and 2024. Australian capital city price differences While the national average residential property price has exhibited growth, individual capital cities display diverse trends, highlighting the complexity of Australia’s property market. Sydney maintains its position as the most expensive residential property market across Australia's capital cities, with a median property value of approximately 1.19 million Australian dollars as of December 2024. Brisbane has emerged as an increasingly pricey capital city for residential property, surpassing both Canberra and Melbourne in median housing values. Notably, Perth experienced the most significant annual increase in its average residential property value, with a 19.1 percent increase from December 2023, despite being a comparably more affordable market. Hobart and Darwin remain the most affordable capital cities for residential properties in the country. Is the homeownership dream out of reach? The rise in property values coincides with the expansion of Australia's housing stock. In the September quarter of 2024, the number of residential dwellings reached around 11.25 million, representing an increase of about 53,100 dwellings from the previous quarter. However, this growth in housing supply does not necessarily translate to increased affordability or accessibility for many Australians. The country’s house prices remain largely disproportional to income, leaving the majority of low and middle-income earners priced out of the market. Alongside this, hikes in mortgage interest rates have made taking out a loan increasingly unappealing for many potential property owners, and the share of mortgage holders at risk of mortgage repayment stress has continued to climb.

The house price-to-income ratio in Australia was 122.1 as of the third quarter of 2024. This ratio, calculated by dividing nominal house prices by nominal disposable income per head, increased from the previous quarter. The price-to-income ratio can be used to measure housing affordability in a specific area. Australia's property bubble There has been considerable debate over the past decade about whether Australia is in a property bubble or not. A property bubble refers to a sharp increase in the price of property that is disproportional to income and rental prices, followed by a decline. In Australia, rising house prices have undoubtedly been an issue for many potential homeowners, pricing them out of the market. Along with the average house price, high mortgage interest rates have exacerbated the issue. Is the homeownership dream out of reach? Housing affordability has varied across the different states and territories in Australia. In 2024, the median value of residential houses was the highest in Sydney compared to other major Australian cities, with Brisbane becoming an increasingly expensive city. Nonetheless, expected interest rate cuts in 2025, alongside the expansion of initiatives to improve Australia's dwelling stock, social housing supply, and first-time buyer accessibility to properties, may start to improve the situation. These encompass initiatives such as the Australian government's Help to Buy scheme and the Housing Australia Future Fund Facility (HAFFF) and National Housing Accord Facility (NHAF) programs.