RBA unveils February rate decision

"While inflation has fallen substantially since its peak in 2022, it picked up materially in the second half of 2025. The Board has been closely monitoring the economy and judges that some of the increase in inflation reflects greater capacity pressures."

Speaking to Accountants Daily about the rate hike, Accounting Home Loans director of sales, Cullen Haynes, said today’s cash rate hike did not come as a surprise, given recent inflation data.

“We expect banks will pass on today’s increase to borrowers within the week. The current average interest rate range for residential loans we are seeing today is approximately between 5.1% to 5.6%, depending on the product and your borrowing profile,” Haynes said.

“If you’re someone who is feeling concerned about rising mortgage repayments and the impact on your household budget, we recommend speaking to your bank or broker to explore the best structure suited to your needs. Doing so will not impact your credit history, and it is better to reach out early before falling into arrears.”

“Property values have been rising at the fastest pace in more than two years, so if you’re considering purchasing a property, now is a good time to get your pre-approval in place. Having pre-approval ready ensures you can move quickly when you find the right property.”

“Accounting professionals can access certain market advantages, that can make entering the property market more attainable and realistic for the cohort. It’s best to speak to a specialist broker for lawyers to gauge what’s best for you.”