Double trouble! RBA lifts cash rate by another 25 basis points to 4.10%
- Mar 17
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 30
More bad news for mortgage holders around the country: the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) today raised the cash rate for the second time this year to 4.10% in a 5-4 split decision vote. How might this impact your monthly mortgage repayments?
Hardly seems fair to hike the cash rate by another 0.25% with petrol prices so high right now (which one could argue will reduce discretionary spending) – but it wasn’t enough to sway the majority of the RBA board, unfortunately, which voted 5-4 to increase the cash rate.
Uncertainty surrounding stubborn inflation levels and global economic volatility due to the war in the Middle East had the RBA concerned enough to pull the trigger on a second consecutive rate rise in 2026.
The RBA’s Monetary Policy Board said in a statement that data since RBA’s February meeting suggests that some of the increase in inflation reflects greater capacity pressures.
“In addition, the conflict in the Middle East has resulted in sharply higher fuel prices, which, if sustained, will add to inflation,” the Board said.
“As a result, the Board judged that there is a material risk that inflation will remain above (the 2-3%) target for longer than previously anticipated.”
How could this affect your monthly mortgage repayments?
Unless you’re on a fixed-rate mortgage, your bank may choose to adjust interest rates following the RBA decision and increase the interest rate on your variable home loan.
For an owner-occupier with a 25-year loan of $500,000 paying principal and interest, this month’s 25 basis point rate hike means your monthly repayments could increase by about $77 a month.
That equals about $924 a year. Or $1848, if you also include last month’s rate hike (yikes!).
If you have a $750,000 loan, your minimum monthly mortgage repayments will likely increase by about $115 a month. That’s $1380 per year, or $2760 if you include last month’s hike.
Meanwhile, a $1 million loan could increase by about $154 a month. That’s $1848 a year, and $3696 if you include the February hike.
This all assumes that your lender automatically passes on the full 25 basis point hike to your home loan.
Another thing to keep in mind is that when interest rates came down from the recent cycle peak of 4.35% throughout 2025, many banks around the country kept borrowers on the same monthly repayment amount – meaning they paid more off the principal of their home loan each month rather than the interest.
If this is the case for you, your monthly repayment amount (very likely) won’t increase with this latest rate hike – it’s just that more of your repayment (0.25%) will go towards the interest on your loan, rather than the principal.
To find out what your lender is doing with your loan, get in touch with us in a few days once the dust has settled and the banks have announced their next moves.
Need to discuss your home loan?
Ok, so the RBA has raised the cash rate again. It’s a tough one, sure, but there are still some steps you could potentially take to help offset this rate hike.
If it’s been a while since your last home loan review, now could be a good time to check in. You might be able to improve your situation – and we’re here to help you explore your options.
This could include renegotiating with your current lender, refinancing to another lender, or debt consolidation.
Every household is unique, and we’re committed to helping you find a solution that fits your needs.
Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and is presented for informative purposes. It is not intended to constitute tax or financial advice, whether general or personal nor is it intended to imply any recommendation or opinion about a financial product. It does not take into consideration your personal situation and may not be relevant to your circumstances. Before taking any action, consider your own particular circumstances and seek professional advice. This content is protected by copyright laws and various other intellectual property laws. It is not to be modified, reproduced or republished without prior written consent.
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