Kristy Barnard - Mortgage Advice Bureau

05/05/2026

At its meeting today, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has increased the cash rate by 0.25%, with the official cash rate now sitting at 4.35%.

Today’s decision reinforces the RBA’s ongoing priority to bring inflation back within its 2–3% target range. The decision was supported by data released last week which showed inflation has continued to increase, largely due to global conflict-driven supply issues and higher fuel costs.

The data highlighted:
- Headline inflation has risen to 4.6% for the 12 months to March 2026, up from 3.7% in February 2026.
- Underlying (trimmed mean) inflation sits at 3.3%.

Fuel price inflation can take time to unwind, meaning price pressures may remain elevated even if broader economic conditions begin to stabilise.

As the RBA navigates this more complex environment, staying informed about interest rate movements and what they mean for your financial position is increasingly important.

Whether you’re considering purchasing a home, refinancing to review your loan structure, or exploring investment opportunities, now is a timely opportunity to review your current lending arrangements and future plans.

23/03/2026

Your mortgage should evolve with your life. Reviewing your structure regularly ensures that it still fits your goals and keeps you on track for the future. A quick check-in now can help avoid surprises later.

Book a review today and stay ahead of the curve.

17/03/2026

As widely anticipated, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has increased the cash rate by 0.25% at today's meeting, taking the official cash rate to 4.10%.

The decision reflects the RBA's ongoing focus on returning inflation to its 2-3% target range, with the latest data showing inflation pressures remain elevated.

Recent economic indicators highlight:

- Headline inflation sits at 3.8% for the 12 months to January 2026, remaining above the RBA's target range.
- Underlying (trimmed mean) inflation remains elevated at 3.4% for the 12 months to January 2026, signalling that broader price pressures across the economy are persisting.

The decision comes amid heightened uncertainty in the global economic environment, with ongoing geopolitical tensions contributing to volatility in energy and petrol prices. These developments typically flow through to higher transport and production costs across the economy, which can add to inflationary pressures at a time when inflation remains above the RBA's target range.

In a changing economic environment, staying informed about interest rate movements and how they may affect your financial position is important.

Whether you're considering purchasing a home, refinancing to review your loan structure, or exploring investment opportunities, it may be a good time to review your current lending arrangements and future plans.

17/03/2026

March brings a splash of green and a sense of change in the air.

Did you know early autumn often sees shifts in property activity, with new listings appearing as sellers prepare for the cooler months? It could be a great time to explore what’s out there and learn more about your options.

If you’re curious about what’s happening in the market, let’s have a chat.

16/03/2026

Did you know that changing your repayment frequency from monthly to fortnightly could shave years off your loan? Or that understanding features like offset accounts can help reduce interest costs significantly?

These small tweaks can make a big difference to your financial future.

If you’re ready to explore smarter ways to manage your mortgage, let’s have a conversation today!

04/02/2026

As widely predicted, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has increased the cash rate by 0.25% at their February meeting. The current cash rate now sits at 3.85%.
This month’s decision reflects the RBA’s commitment to restoring price stability, with the latest data indicating:
Headline (annual) inflation has risen to 3.8% in the 12 months to December 2025 and remains above the RBA’s 2%-3% target range.
Underlying (trimmed mean) inflation sits at 3.3%, the RBA’s preferred underlying measure, helping highlight that broad-based inflation pressures remain.
The cash rate increase aims to ease ongoing price pressures and anchor inflation expectations, while allowing the RBA to carefully monitor how tighter financial conditions affect household spending.
This decision highlights the value of staying up to date with economic shifts and what they may mean for your finances.
Whether you’re weighing up a home purchase, refinancing to improve your loan terms, or exploring an investment property, this could be the right moment to reassess your plans.

31/12/2025

As we say goodbye to 2025 and welcome a fresh start, we want to wish you happiness, good health, and success in all your goals for 2026.

The new year is a wonderful time to set intentions, dream big, and take steps towards what matters most to you. Thank you for being part of our community we look forward to supporting you and celebrating your achievements in the year ahead.

Happy New Year! 🎆

24/12/2025

23/12/2025

As Christmas approaches, we want to take a moment to thank you for your trust and support throughout the year. The festive season is a time to celebrate, connect with loved ones, and reflect on the moments that matter most. 🎄

Whether you’re travelling, hosting family, or simply enjoying a well-earned break, we hope your days are filled with laughter, warmth, and joy.

Wishing you and your family a safe and very Merry Christmas!

09/12/2025

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has announced a hold on the cash rate of 3.60% at today’s meeting.

The RBA’s decision this month reflects its ongoing cautious approach as it works to balance inflation control with supporting employment. The latest data shows:

- Headline (annual) inflation has risen to 3.8% in the year to October 2025, up from 3.6% in September 2025, and remains above the RBA’s 2%-3% target range.
- Underlying (trimmed mean) inflation sits at 3.3%, the RBA’s preferred underlying measure, helping highlight that broad-based inflation pressures remain.

By keeping the cash rate on hold, the RBA has left room to observe how economic conditions evolve before determining whether further monetary policy adjustments are needed.

Today’s decision underscores the importance of staying informed about economic developments and considering what they may mean for your financial position.

Whether you’re weighing up a home purchase, refinancing to improve your loan terms, or exploring an investment property, this could be the right moment to reassess your plans.