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APRA Caps High‑Debt Home Loans at 20% of New Lending From February 1, 2026

The regulator says the pre‑emptive step aims to contain rising household‑debt risks.

Overview

  • The cap covers mortgages with debt‑to‑income ratios above six and is applied separately to investor and owner‑occupier lending.
  • APRA reports about 4% of new owner‑occupier loans and 10% of investor loans currently exceed the threshold, with a small number of lenders near or above the cap.
  • Bridging loans and finance for new dwelling construction are excluded, and the existing 3% mortgage serviceability buffer remains.
  • Treasurer Jim Chalmers endorsed the move as prudent, while Greens senator Barbara Pocock argued for tougher, investor‑specific measures.
  • APRA indicated it may add investor‑targeted limits if risks increase, and it does not expect short‑term access to credit to be materially affected.