Another cash rate increase isn’t guaranteed – but borrowers may be better off preparing for one than hoping it won’t happen.
The Reserve Bank has already lifted the cash rate by 0.75 percentage points in 2026.
Meanwhile, trimmed-mean inflation has remained above the RBA’s 2–3% target range since June 2025, while recent economic growth, employment and household spending data suggest demand remains surprisingly resilient.
That means another rate hike before the end of the year can’t be ruled out.
What borrowers can do now
Rather than passively waiting for the RBA’s next cash rate decisions on September 29 and November 3, consider:
- Stress-testing your budget at a higher repayment.
- Building a bigger cash buffer.
- Reviewing whether your current rate is still competitive.
- Using an offset or redraw facility strategically.
- Cutting discretionary spending before you’re forced to.
For prospective buyers, it can also make sense to calculate repayments at a rate above today’s level before deciding what you can comfortably afford.
Another rate rise may or may not happen, but you can prepare for one now. Get in touch and I’ll help you review your loan and borrowing position.
