Key takeaways
• The RBA cash rate is 4.60% after four increases in 2026.
• An Aussie Broker can help you review your home loan and compare options from 25+ lenders**.
• Learn how brokers can help with refinancing, loan structure and buying your next home.
• Understand when it's worth reviewing your home loan as interest rates change.
When interest rates rise, it's natural to wonder what it means for your home loan and whether there's anything you can do about it.
The good news is, you don't have to work through your options alone. An Aussie Broker can help you review your current home loan, understand how rate changes may affect you, and explore whether other available options may suit your circumstances
That's particularly timely following the RBA's latest decision in September 2026, when the Board lifted the cash rate by 0.25 percentage points to 4.60%.
The RBA said inflation remained elevated and that some of the upside risks it had previously identified were materialising.
With the next RBA Monetary Policy Board decision due on 3 November 2026, now could be a good time to check in on your home loan rather than simply waiting to see what happens next.
From reviewing your rate and loan structure to refinancing or planning your next property purchase, here are six ways an Aussie Broker may be able to help as interest rates change.
This article contains general information only and doesn't take into account your personal financial situation or needs. For information about your circumstances, speak with an Aussie Broker about available credit assistance options.
1. An Aussie Broker can help you with a rate review
If you have a variable rate home loan, you may have already noticed your repayments increase as lenders respond to changes in the cash rate.
The RBA has increased the cash rate four times so far in 2026, taking the cash rate from 3.60% at the end of 2025 to 4.60% following its September meeting.
If you're feeling the impact of another round of rate increases, it could be a good time to review whether your current home loan is still meeting your needs.
Rianne Pablo, Aussie Broker Werribee said: "That's why I always try to check in with my clients at least once a year, or even more often, just to make sure the loan is still right for them and that they're still with the right lender.
“I never move clients around just for the sake of it. Instead, I ask how they're feeling. Often the outcome is simply negotiating a better rate through retention pricing. Whenever there's a rate change, we'll suggest checking with their current lender to see whether they can offer something better,” she added.
Some existing borrowers may find they're paying a higher interest rate than the rate their lender offers comparable to new customers, sometimes referred to as a "loyalty tax".
“One misconception we often come across is that moving to a slightly lower interest rate will automatically result in significant savings. That isn’t always the case," said Jo Goldsborough, Franchisee at Aussie Bellarine.
"Once fees, loan structure and other costs are taken into consideration, the overall repayments may not provide the expected benefit and, in some circumstances, could actually cost more in the short term,” she added.
That's where an Aussie Broker may be able to help. If you'd like to check whether your current rate remains competitive, your broker can speak with your lender on your behalf and, where appropriate, explore the options available.
Your Aussie Broker may also check in from time to time to see whether it's worth reviewing your home loan as your circumstances or the lending market change.
When should you review your home loan?
You don't have to wait for interest rates to rise before reviewing your home loan.
Regularly reviewing your home loan can help you understand whether your current loan still suits your needs and whether there may be other options available.
It may be worth speaking with an Aussie Broker if:
Your interest rate or repayments have increased. Changes to the cash rate can affect variable home loans, making it a good time to review whether your current loan remains competitive.
You haven't reviewed your home loan in a few years. Lenders can change their products and pricing over time, so it may be worth checking whether your existing loan still meets your needs.
Your fixed-rate period is coming to an end. Before your loan rolls onto a variable rate, an Aussie Broker can help you understand your options and compare available home loans.
Your financial circumstances have changed. Whether you've received a pay rise, started a family, consolidated debt or are planning renovations, your home loan may no longer be the right fit for your goals.
You're thinking about buying another property or accessing equity. Reviewing your home loan early can help you understand your borrowing options before making your next move.
Vicki Fraser, Aussie Broker said: "Many existing homeowners don't fully understand all the products and strategies available to them. They might know what an offset account is, but they don't necessarily understand how to use it to their advantage.”
“Lots of people also have several little debts hanging around that need to be cleaned up. That's what we're here for. We help people get back into a position where they have good cash flow, feel confident again, and have strategies in place going forward,” she added.
Even if you decide your current home loan still suits your needs, reviewing it regularly can give you confidence that you're making an informed decision based on your circumstances.
You might also be interested in: What is mortgage stress and how can you manage it?
2. An Aussie Broker can help change your loan structure
As your financial goals and circumstances change, your home loan may need to change too.
You might be considering fixing part of your loan, opening an offset account, consolidating debt or accessing equity to fund another goal.
Jo said “The most beneficial thing we can do is review the client’s overall financial situation, rather than simply looking at their home loan rate and repayments. It’s important to understand whether there have been any significant changes in their circumstances."
She added "Has their income changed? Has their overall liability position changed? Are there any upcoming life events or expenses that we can plan for in advance?"
A change to your loan structure will often involve refinancing, and an Aussie Broker can help explain your options and guide you through the process.
You might also be interested in: What Aussie Brokers are seeing in today's rate environment
3. An Aussie Broker can guide you through the home buying process
Buying a home and taking out a mortgage, whether it’s your first or fifth time, can involve plenty of decisions, paperwork and unfamiliar terminology.
With so much information and paperwork to think about, it can be useful to have a qualified credit professional to support you through the process, from application to settlement.
Whether you're buying your first home, your next home or refinancing, having someone guide you through the process can make it easier to understand your options.
At Aussie, our brokers can help you with:
Comparing loans and interest rates from 25+ lenders.**
A shortlist of loan options you may be eligible for based on your needs and goals
Your loan application and paperwork
Understanding your estimated borrowing capacity, subject to lender assessment
Calculating home buying costs
Home loan support and credit assistance, even through post-settlement
Comparing available home loan options as interest rates change
Refinancing your loan as your needs and financial situation change.
4. An Aussie Broker can help you understand your home loan options
Mortgage brokers who provide credit assistance must operate under an Australian Credit Licence (ACL), either as a licensee or an authorised representative.
Credit representatives who provide third-party home loan credit assistance must also meet minimum training and ongoing professional development requirements.
Mortgage brokers also need to meet relevant licensing and professional requirements.
The MFAA notes that the pathway into mortgage broking can include completing relevant qualifications, joining an aggregator that provides access to a lender panel and business platform, and being appointed as a Credit Representative under an Australian Credit Licence.
Brokers can explain how different home loan features work and help you understand which options may suit your circumstances.
They can also help you compare available home loan products and explain how different loan structures may affect your repayments.
Simon Tuckman, Senior Mobile Broker at Aussie, said “The conversation is really about the net benefit to the client. Sometimes the ideal outcome is staying where they are and negotiating with their existing lender. Sometimes it's restructuring the existing loans, and sometimes refinancing makes sense."
"My job is to look at all three options and explain the pros and cons so the client can make an informed decision,” he added.
Financial planners, on the other hand, are qualified to provide advice on broader financial matters, such as investments, insurance, and retirement planning.
While a financial planner may be the right person to speak to about long-term wealth strategies, an Aussie Broker can typically provide credit assistance relating to topics such as:
Debt structure and debt consolidation
How changes to the cash rate may affect your repayments
Options if you're finding repayments difficult
How different loan features work
Refinancing your home loan
The home loan application process
Credit assistance.
Depending on your goals, there may be situations where speaking with both a broker and a financial planner is appropriate.
For example, if you’re considering another property, an Aussie Broker may help you understand available home-loan and refinancing options. A financial planner can advise on broader investment matters.
You might also be interested in: How to compare home loan rates and find the right loan for you
5. A local Aussie Broker can bring local knowledge
When you're buying a home, having someone who understands the local area can be valuable alongside understanding your home loan options.
Many Aussie store brokers have been part of their local communities for years, building knowledge of the areas they work in and helping customers at different stages of their property journeys.
For some brokers, that means helping multiple generations of local families buy or refinance their homes.
That experience can give local brokers valuable context around the property market in their area, while their relationships with other local property professionals can also help you navigate different stages of the buying process.
And if you prefer talking things through face to face, having an Aussie Broker nearby means you can sit down together to discuss your borrowing options, ask questions and work through your next steps.
Aussie has a network of over 1,000 brokers and over 230 stores across Australia, giving customers the option to connect with a broker locally or remotely.
Whether you prefer to meet in person or chat remotely, your local broker can help explain your options and provide guidance throughout your home loan journey.
6. There’s no obligation to move forward after speaking with an Aussie Broker
Speaking with an Aussie Broker doesn't mean you're committing to changing your home loan or switching lenders.
You can use an appointment to explore your options, get a clearer picture of your current position, and ask questions about what might be worth considering.
After reviewing your circumstances, you may find that refinancing makes sense, or that staying with your current lender is the right option for you.
Your appointment with an Aussie Broker also comes at no cost to you.^
Aussie Brokers are paid a commission by the lender when you receive your home loan, so you can start by having a conversation and understanding your options without paying for the appointment.
If you're wondering whether your current home loan is still right for you, an Aussie Broker can help you understand the options available and what your next steps could look like.
“Where I add value as a broker is being able to give the client that comparison. If the existing bank is genuinely the most competitive option, I'll tell them that. If another lender can provide a materially better outcome after taking into account the rate, fees, features and loan structure, then I'll explain that option as well,” Simon said.
^Lender-charged fees may apply depending on the loan product and your circumstances.
See what your home loan options look like
When interest rates change, your home loan needs may change too. But that doesn't necessarily mean you need to switch lenders or refinance.
An Aussie Broker can help you review where you're at, understand the options available based on your circumstances and work out what your next step could look like.
Whether you want to review your current rate, explore refinancing or simply understand your home loan a little better, go straight to Aussie and book a chat with your local Aussie Broker.
