How many Australians have accessed their home equity?

Around 22% of homeowners accessed their equity in the past 12 months, according to Finder's 2026 Home Loan Report.

What do people use home equity for?

Some of the most common reasons people use their home equity include buying a car (8%), followed by renovations (7%), a holiday (6%) and daycare or school fees (6%). Only 2% used it for investing

Is accessing home equity a good idea?

It depends on your situation. When used responsibly, equity can help you build wealth or fund a major goal at a lower rate than other types of borrowing. But it is still debt secured against your home, and it can increase your repayments or extend your loan term. If you are considering using your home equity to fund a major purchase, it's worth speaking to a broker or financial adviser to ensure it's the right move for your circumstances.

What if I do not have enough equity to refinance or access it?

Lenders generally want you to retain a meaningful equity buffer, typically around 20% of the property's value, before approving extra borrowing or a switch. If you feel you haven't built up sufficient equity in your property, a mortgage broker can help you understand what's financially feasible.

Ceyda Erem

Senior writer

Ceyda Erem is Finder’s senior writer for insurance and has almost 10 years of experience writing about personal finance. Formerly a copywriter for several business and finance clients, Ceyda has written hundreds of articles, guides, blogs and more to ensure Australians stay in the loop about how to best manage their money. She has a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Writing from Macquarie University.

As a newcomer to the world of money several years ago, Ceyda understands the importance of demystifying personal finance. By simplifying complex terminology and topics, she believes readers will feel more empowered to make savvier financial decisions.

Ceyda specialises in insurance, providing comprehensive but digestible information across various products.

Expertise

Insurance

Experience

Annual Finder Innovation Awards judge for insurance categories

Education

Bachelor of Arts: Major in Writing | Macquarie University | 2013-2016

Latest articles by Ceyda Erem

214 articles written by this author

Home Loans

Home Equity Statistics 2026

Data from Finder's 2026 Home Loan Report shows more than 1 in 5 homeowners (22%) accessed their home equity in the past 12 months.

Car Insurance

Zurich InsureMyTesla review

Explore comprehensive cover designed for Tesla drivers. We cover the pros, cons and other details you need to know about InsureMyTesla.

Car Insurance

In one state, seatbelt fines have jumped 2,357% – and you’ll never guess why

New figures from the NRMA’s Buckle Up Right Report reportedly found 126,728 seatbelt infringements were issued in NSW during the 2024–25 financial year.

Pet Insurance

Skipping vet visits to save money? This might cost you less

Our data revealed 1 in 4 Aussies (approximately 1.9 million) have put off taking their pet to the vet because of the cost.

Car Insurance

Your Tesla could soon earn you a car insurance discount: here’s how

Zurich has become the first insurer in Australia to build Tesla's Full Self-Driving (Supervised) (FSD) technology into how it prices cover.

Energy

Australian Energy Switching & Confidence Statistics 2026

Finder's 2026 energy statistics: how confident Australians are in their plans, how much switching could save, and why so few of us actually do it.

Pet Insurance

We paid thousands for designer puppies. Now we’re paying thousands at the vet

It’s fair to assume that most pandemic puppy owners have adjusted to the cost that comes with owning a Cavoodle, however, recent figures show vet bills continue to take Aussies by surprise.