Deep concern as the number of Kiwis behind on their mortgage repayments rises to a near three-year high.

Centrix data shows more than 18,000 households are behind.

The number of people behind on general loan repayments has jumped 20,000 since December to 430,000.

Centrix Managing Director, Keith McLaughlin says it's worrying.

"We know 18,400 people are behind on their mortgages, but we know that this is growing, it's growing every month."

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