Published 6 May 2026. Figures and market conditions described here were current at that time and may have changed since.
For its May meeting, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has raised the official cash rate by 0.25 per cent to 4.35 per cent, marking the third consecutive rate rise of 2026. The decision was narrowly split, with eight Board members voting to increase rates and one member voting to hold, highlighting growing concern about the balance between inflation and household pressure. This is the first time the cash rate has sat at 4.35 per cent since the period between November 2023 and February 2025.
According to the RBA, inflation remains uncomfortably high, with global risks – particularly the ongoing conflict in the Middle East – adding to energy costs and broader price pressures. At a household level, the decision has raised renewed concerns about affordability. Interim Finance Brokers Association of Australia CEO, Peter White warned, “I’m not an economist but it’s not rocket science that this affects lower income earners more than anyone else.”
Meanwhile, in the property market, Brisbane is quickly establishing itself as one of the world's most dynamic luxury property markets, driven by Olympic infrastructure investment, severe stock shortages and record levels of wealth creation. Looking ahead, Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Perth are tipped to be the top-performing luxury markets in 2027, with 2% growth forecast in prestige residential prices, according to the recent Knight Frank's Wealth Report.
If you're unsure how this change impacts your mortgage or borrowing capacity, a no-obligation review with a mortgage broker is worth considering.
The RBA’s next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 16.
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