Personal Loans Australia :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

APRA's New Debt-to-Income Cap Aims to Curb High-Risk Mortgage Lending

Understanding the Implications of APRA's Latest Lending Restrictions

APRA's New Debt-to-Income Cap Aims to Curb High-Risk Mortgage Lending?w=400

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 Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced a significant policy change aimed at mitigating risks associated with high debt-to-income (DTI) mortgage lending.
Effective from 1 February 2026, APRA will enforce a cap, limiting banks to allocating no more than 20% of new mortgages to borrowers whose total debt exceeds six times their income.

This proactive measure comes in response to rapid growth in property prices and escalating levels of household debt. By imposing this cap, APRA seeks to prevent the accumulation of high-risk loans that could jeopardise financial stability.

For prospective borrowers, this regulation may result in stricter lending criteria, particularly for those seeking large loans relative to their income. It's advisable for individuals to assess their financial positions and consider reducing existing debts to improve their eligibility under the new guidelines.

Financial institutions will need to adjust their lending practices to comply with the cap, potentially leading to a more conservative approach in loan approvals. This shift underscores the importance of responsible borrowing and lending in maintaining a stable economic environment.

As the implementation date approaches, both lenders and borrowers should stay informed about these changes and seek professional advice to navigate the evolving lending landscape effectively.

Published:Monday, 9th Mar 2026
Author: Paige Estritori

Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.

Share this news item:

Rate this article

0 Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.

Finance News

RBA Card Data Points to Ongoing Pressure on Household Debt
RBA Card Data Points to Ongoing Pressure on Household Debt
16 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori
The Reserve Bank of Australia’s latest retail payments figures, released on 7 July 2026, add another useful snapshot of how Australians are managing day-to-day spending and short-term debt. In May 2026, total purchases on Australian-issued cards reached $99.7 billion, with credit and charge cards accounting for $40.7 billion and debit cards making up $59.0 billion. Find out now if you qualify and compare rates, offers and options from multiple lenders - without a credit check! - read more
Australians Lean Further Into Personal Credit
Australians Lean Further Into Personal Credit
09 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori
Australia’s appetite for personal credit has shown another lift, with the Reserve Bank of Australia’s latest financial aggregates pointing to renewed momentum in May 2026. The data, released on 30 June, shows personal credit rose by 0.6 per cent over the month, up from 0.2 per cent in April. Over the year to May, personal credit was 4.4 per cent higher, compared with 2.9 per cent annual growth at the same point last year. - read more
What ASIC’s Car Finance Review Means for Borrowers
What ASIC’s Car Finance Review Means for Borrowers
02 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori
ASIC’s latest review of the car finance market is a timely reminder that the cheapest-looking loan is not always the cheapest loan. Released on 24 June 2026, the regulator’s Report 832 examined more than 350,000 car loans across eight finance providers and found concerns around loan costs, third-party distribution and how lenders monitor outcomes for customers. - read more


Personal Loans Articles

Proven Strategies to Boost Your Personal Loan Approval Odds
Proven Strategies to Boost Your Personal Loan Approval Odds
Embarking on the journey to secure a personal loan can often seem like navigating through a complex financial landscape. Particularly for Australians, where the market is bustling with a multitude of lenders each with their respective criteria and rates, increasing the chances of loan approval is a pursuit that requires insight and preparation. - read more
Effective Credit Repair: Long-Term Strategies for Sustained Improvement
Effective Credit Repair: Long-Term Strategies for Sustained Improvement
Maintaining a good credit score is crucial for financial health. In Australia, a solid credit score can unlock better interest rates, higher credit limits, and improve your chances of loan approval. - read more
How to Communicate with Lenders During Financial Hardship
How to Communicate with Lenders During Financial Hardship
Financial hardship occurs when an individual is unable to meet their financial obligations due to a variety of circumstances. This could stem from a loss of income, unexpected expenses, or rising living costs that outweigh financial resources. - 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!
Loan Amount:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided obligation-free by a participating broker from our national referral partner network. We respect your Privacy.

All finance quotes are provided free (via our secure server) and without obligation. We respect your privacy.

Knowledgebase
Balloon Payment.:
A large loan repayment made in order to clear a debt. Usually applied to a short-term fixed-rate loan, which involves small payments for a certain period of time with one large payment for the remaining amount of the principal at a time specified in the future.