Borrowing Power
Why your borrowing power dropped in 2026 (and how to lift it)
RBA rate hikes, the new DTI cap, and changing lender appetites — plus practical ways to borrow more in 2026.
Interest Rates
How the RBA cash rate flows through to your mortgage repayment
From RBA board meeting to your lender's rate change — the transmission mechanism and typical lag times in 2026.
Borrowing Power
APRA's 3% serviceability buffer explained and why it caps your borrowing
Why lenders test your repayments at 3% above the actual rate — and how it shrinks your maximum loan in 2026.
Interest Rates
Comparison rate explained: why the advertised rate isn't the full cost
How the comparison rate bakes in fees — and why it still doesn't capture everything you need to know.
Interest Rates
Fixed vs variable home loan in 2026: which suits a rising-rate market
With RBA at 4.35% and upward bias, the fixed-vs-variable maths looks different. Numbers for $500k-$900k loans.
Interest Rates
Best home loan rate features to compare in 2026 (beyond the headline rate)
Comparison rate, offset availability, redraw fees, rate lock, portability — the features that save more than the rate.
Interest Rates
How to negotiate a lower rate with your current lender in 2026
The script, the data to bring, and the retention team magic words. Most borrowers who ask get a discount.
Refinance
Should you refinance in 2026: the break-even maths, step by step
Discharge fee $350, new application $600, valuation $300. At 0.30% rate saving on $650k, break-even is 7 months.