More on struggle street as prices, rates rise

• More than 200,000 borrowers in stress
• Number tipped to rise by year end
• First home buyers to be hardest hit

THE average size of a home loan has risen by 40 per cent since 2005, leaving more than half a million Australians struggling to meet their repayments.

The findings, by Fujitsu Consulting, show rising interest rates pushed 218,000 borrowers into severe mortgage stress last month, The Australian reported.

Fujitsu Australia executive director Martin North said that figure was expected to increase to 290,000 by December.

For more on this article go to news.com.au