Rate moves, RBA wraps and broker news, every day.
Editor-reviewed Australian mortgage news, rate cuts, RBA decisions, lender moves and what each one means for borrowers. Aggregated daily, written without affiliate spin.
SMSF Loan Holders: Act Before the August 10 Residential Ban
A new ban on residential SMSF borrowing kicks in August 10, but refinancing stays open — and La Trobe just launched a faster pathway for eligible borrowers.
Rate Cuts Roll In Despite August RBA Hike Threat
Five lenders trimmed variable rates last week while five others cut fixed rates — yet the RBA may still hike in August.
Your Offset Account May Not Be Working — Here's What to Do
ASIC found banks paid over $55 million in offset account compensation — here's how to check yours is actually working.
House Prices Falling? What the RBA's Own Stress Test Reveals
RBA modelling shows fewer than 4% of borrowers would miss payments even in a severe 40% price fall, as WA renters call loudly for a correction.
Teachers Mutual Joins Help to Buy, Opening Broker Access
A third lender has joined the federal government's shared-equity scheme, with broker distribution channels opening from October 2026.
RBA Likely to Hold at 4.35% as Property Values Keep Sliding
NAB expects the cash rate to stay at 4.35% through 2026 as combined capital city prices fall for a third straight month and the August RBA meeting looms.
Regional housing shortage pushing small businesses to lift wages
COSBOA research shows a third of regional small businesses have raised wages to offset local housing costs, a trend that directly affects regional borrowers.
Westpac tips August rate rise as mortgage stress hits two-year high
Westpac stands alone among the big four in forecasting August and September cash rate hikes, as mortgage stress reaches its highest level in two years.
Rents Rising 6% Nationally as Rental Supply Keeps Shrinking
National rents are growing faster than wages and inflation as investment exits and construction hits 12-year lows — here's what renters and buyers need to know.
Investor Loan Lodgements Plunge 35% After Budget Tax Changes
Loan Market Group's July data shows investor mortgage applications in freefall since May's budget overhauled negative gearing and capital gains tax settings.
RBA August 11 Decision: Four Banks, Four Rate Forecasts
Strong June employment caught economists off-guard and split Australia's big four banks on whether the RBA will hike or hold at its August 11 meeting.
Investors Pivot to Commercial as Residential Tax Rules Change
Wave Money's new small-ticket commercial product is the latest sign investors are redirecting capital as negative gearing reform reshapes demand.
1.6 Million Borrowers at Risk as Mortgage Stress Peaks
Roy Morgan's latest data shows mortgage stress has reached a two-year high, with more rate hikes potentially on the way before year's end.
HAFF Housing Fund Delivers Just 1,432 Homes of 40,000 Target
Federal housing programs have delivered just 1,432 of their 40,000 target homes, with the Auditor-General warning the June 2029 deadline is now at serious risk.
NAB Cuts Fixed Rates as Lenders Eye RBA Decision
NAB has cut fixed home loan rates by up to 0.20%, adding to a wave of fixed-rate reductions across 21 lenders ahead of the RBA's August 10-11 cash rate decision.
ASIC Flags Broker Fraud Risk as BID Compliance Report Nears
ASIC's first review of brokers' best interests duty compliance will publish in Q4, as the regulator also flags a crackdown on coordinated mortgage fraud.
21 Lenders Have Cut Fixed Rates — What Borrowers Should Know
NAB and Firstmac are among 21 lenders to cut fixed rates since June, signalling markets believe the cash rate has peaked.
8 Lenders Trim Rates Even as the RBA Keeps Hiking
Competition is forcing lenders to cut rates in a hiking cycle — here's what that $209-a-month gap means for borrowers right now.
ING Drops Clawbacks on Forced Property Sales
ING will waive broker commission clawbacks when borrowers sell due to life events from August — here's what this commission shift means for your home loan.
Clearance Rates Stuck Below 50%: What Tax Reforms Mean for Buyers
Capital city auction clearance rates slipped back below 50% in July as budget tax reforms and higher interest rates reshape buyer and investor demand.
ASIC's Record $830m Penalty Year: What It Means for Borrowers
Australia's financial watchdog had its toughest enforcement year ever in 2025-26, taking aim at hardship failures by some of the country's biggest banks.
Mortgage Demand Falls 14%: What Borrowers Should Do Now
Equifax's June 2026 data reveals no state or age group recorded positive mortgage growth — here's what that signals for your home loan.
New CGT Rules: Why Every Investor Needs a July 2027 Valuation
New capital gains tax rules taking effect in July 2027 make a professional property valuation potentially worth $58,000 or more to investors.
Property Market Softens as Rate Rises and Tax Changes Bite
National home prices fell 0.3% in June and auction clearance rates hit a six-year low, as rate hikes and budget tax changes reshape borrower demand.
What Broker Clawbacks Mean for Your Home Loan Advice
The FBAA is calling for an overhaul of lender clawback practices. Here's what the industry debate means for borrowers who use mortgage brokers.