From 1 February 2026, lenders must keep high debt-to-income (DTI) loans to no more than 20% of their new lending, as the banking regulator, APRA, moves to curb riskier borrowing.
APRA says lending standards remain solid overall, but it has seen a recent rise in higher-risk activity and wants to contain vulnerabilities before they build.
How this could affect borrowers
The new limit doesn’t stop high-DTI loans – but it does mean banks will be more selective. That matters if:
Why comparing lenders matters even more
Each bank will apply the cap differently. Some may tighten quickly, while others may still have room under the limit. That can lead to very different outcomes depending on who you speak to first.
If you want to understand how the new rules affect your borrowing position, We can compare lenders and show where you stand.
