The total value of owner-occupier home loans written in Australia for the fourth quarter of 2025 amounted to $69.78 billion. As of December 2025, the average home loan in Australia was $736,259, showing a 6.1% increase compared to the previous quarter and a 22.8% increase when compared to the same time last year. For first-time home buyers, the average loan amount drops to $607,624, reflecting a 8.5% increase compared to the previous quarter and a 24.6% increase when compared to the same month of the previous year.
The average investor home loan stood at $716,711, marking a 4.5% increase over the quarter and showing a solid 20.0% increase over the year. Meanwhile, the average refinancing home loan amounted to $557,231, signifying a notable 2.6% increase over the month and a substantial 18.3% increase over the year. Further statistics can be found in the visualisation below.
"Inflation rose in the June quarter but it was in line with RBA's own forecasts heading off the need for another rate hike. At the same time inflation is still too high and the RBA still lacks confidence that it will sustainably head back to target so it's too early to expect a cut."
Surging home loan sizes across Australian states
Over the past decade, the average sizes of home loans in all states have shown significant increases. ACT takes the lead with over 100% increase, doubling the average home loan size. South Australia and Tasmania follow closely increasing around 90%, while Queensland increased around 80% in the size of home loans over the same period.
Growing preference for external lenders
In 2019, slightly more than half of refinancers, accounting for 52%, were external refinancers, indicating that they sought new loans from lenders other than their current one. Fast forward to 2023, the landscape has evolved significantly, with nearly three-quarters of all refinancers being external. In December 2025, 59% falling into the category of external refinancers. Demonstrating a growing trend of homeowners exploring new lending options outside their existing lenders, showcasing changing dynamics in the refinancing market.
Home loan commitment distribution
As of December 2025, new loan commitments for the purchase of existing dwellings amounted to $59.5 billion, which represents a substantial 85% of the total value of owner-occupier home loans written in Australia for that month. Meanwhile, loans for the construction of dwellings constituted 11% of the total, with an additional 6% allocated for newly erected dwellings.
Ask a question
More guides on Finder
-
Home loan cashback offers
Home loan cashback deals can help you refinance to a cheaper interest rate and get a lump sum cash payment.
-
A guide for first home buyers
Use our complete first home buyer guide to make your first home purchase as stress-free as possible.
-
Home equity
Read our detailed explainer on the concept of home equity and how property owners can make use of it.
-
Current home loan interest rates in Australia
We compile the average home loan interest rates in the market and update them monthly.
-
Compare bank interest rates in May 2026
Compare current bank interest rates for home loans, credit cards, personal loans, savings accounts and term deposits to find the best deal for you.
-
Low deposit home loans
You may be able to get a low deposit home loan with just a 5% cash deposit. Here are the lenders who are more likely to lend you a 95% loan.
-
Investment home loan rates
The best investor home loan rates that have been offered in years have hit the market. Compare investment property loan rates today.
-
Cheap Home Loans Australia
Find the cheapest home loan rates and learn how to decide which one best fits your needs and will save you the most money.
-
Best Home Loan Rates Australia
Learn how to compare rates to find the best home loan and start saving money on your mortgage today.
-
Best home loans with offset accounts
What is an offset account? It can save you thousands in interest and help you own your home sooner.
