Australian Mortgage Demand Falls Fifth Month Straight

Australian mortgage demand has fallen for the fifth consecutive month, down 14.1% year on year in August 2026, according to Equifax data.

The Reserve Bank of Australia is set to make a cash rate decision on September 29th, and this data may influence their decision.

New South Wales recorded the sharpest fall among mainland states, with demand down 15.9%, while Western Australia posted the smallest decline at 10.4%.

Younger Australians appear to be taking a wait-and-see approach, with demand falling 21.7% among 18- to 25-year-olds and 18.1% among 26- to 35-year-olds.