If the pandemic is delayed homeowners could end up paying $100 per month more on their mortgages

Fast 500k Australian home-owners have put off paying their mortgages due to the fact that almost a million are out-of-work, and with 260,000 additional jobs expected before Christmas,

Only those who are in financial hardship will be eligible to receive a four-month extension once September’s six-month deferral ends. All other applicants will have to begin repaying.

Nine News’ RateCity survey discovered that eight percent of mortgage borrowers received a deferral. This percentage is slightly higher according to the Australian Banking Association.

28% of those who had repaid their loans have said they won’t or don’t know if it will be possible.

67% of respondents said they would like their bank to extend their credit line after considering all options. 25% may be open to switching to interest only repayments.

Another 25% might consider selling their home. 17% may borrow money to pay for their home. 8% may rent their home to be more financially secure.

Alarmingly, many who deferred their mortgage didn’t realize they were still earning interest.

The Australian Banking Association states that the extension of four month will not automatically be granted and will only be available to people who are in extreme hardship.

Some have resumed repayments. Others chose to opt out of the deferral and opt back in again, especially in Melbourne after the city was placed back under lockdown.

Sally Tindall from RateCity research said that there is uncertainty about the end to the initial six month deferral period.

She stated that many people don’t know what to do next, and that it’s a concern.

“It was alarming that people who took out a mortgage deferral didn’t know that their bank was charging interest during that period.

It is important that you understand the interest rate on your mortgage delay. This will show you how much you’ll pay over the loan’s lifetime.

RateCity calculations show that a customer who delays for 10 years a $500,000 loan with a 25-year mortgage will have a balance $514 477 at the close. This could add $128 to the total loan cost.

Arpan Sodhi conducted his research.

The husband-and-wife, who were married in January, moved into a Stanhope Gardens residence located in Sydney’s north-west.

They lost their international moving company when the pandemic struck.

Mr. Sodhi, a man who waited six years to get his mortgage from Bendigo Bank said that it was a blessing and that he was grateful for the bank’s ease of access.

He stated, “It’s really helpful now because we are now in this position and can see where it goes later.”

“We swim through this because it’s important. We’ll be concerned when things get back on track.

“It’s been my lifeline because I don’t have to worry about my mortgage payment if there’s not enough money.”

Mr. Sodhi stated he was willing spread the interest payments over a loan term and that he knew exactly how much would be left.

But what will he do in September?

“It will be really hard. He stated that the bank had advised them to call them back.

Ms Tindall says that every dollar counts when you apply for a mortgage. Even if your ability to pay some, any amount paid will lower your long term interest burden.

Digital Finance Analytics’ recent mortgage stress survey found that 1.4 million Australian households are experiencing cash flow problems despite receiving government assistance and deferrals.

Although it was slightly lower that the 38 percent in previous months, the 37.5 procent of mortgage stress-stricken homes is still significantly greater than the pre-COVID-19 levels.

Banksmeadow is home of some of Sydney’s most fragile areas, including Botany and Mt Ku-ring-gai.