Open accessibility guideSkip to sections navigationSkip to contentSkip to footerAdvertisementNationalExperts are warning Australia has hit its highest risk of mortgage defaults in 25 years, with thousands of homeowners at risk of falling behind on repayments.Updated August 8, 2026 — 6:50pm,first published 6:48pmLoadingLatest in VideosVideo icon1:45Locals demand tougher bail laws following shopkeeper's deathVideo icon0:23NSW records first cases of bird flu in Australian nativesVideo icon1:45Moment arsonists firebomb restaurant caught on cameraVideo icon1:13Police smash into car in dramatic Gold Coast arrestAdvertisementTwitterFacebookInstagramRSSOur SitesThe AgeThe Sydney Morning HeraldBrisbane TimesWAtodayThe Australian Financial Reviewnine.com.auDriveClassifiedsTributesPlace your adThe AgeContact & supportAdvertise with usNewslettersAccessibility guideSitemapPhoto salesPurchase front pagesContent licensingWork with usTerms of usePrivacy policyPress CouncilCharter of Editorial IndependenceAI Editorial GuidelinesProducts & ServicesSubscription packagesMy accountSubscriber FAQsDelivery statusToday’s PaperGood Food GuideDaily PuzzlesCopyright © 2026Subscribe