What mortgage holders should do before the next RBA decision

Borrowers cannot control the Reserve Bank, but they can control how exposed their household budget is to its next decision.

The RBA meets on 29 September with inflation concerns still elevated and major-bank economists increasingly bringing forward their rate-rise calls. Fixed mortgage rates have also been moving, reducing the value of waiting for perfect certainty.

The first task is to calculate the impact of another 0.25 percentage-point increase. Indicative Canstar figures reported earlier this month suggest that such a move would add about $91 a month to repayments on a $600,000 loan, $122 on $800,000 and $152 on $1 million, although actual changes depend on rate, term and loan structure.

The second task is to compare the current loan with the market. Borrowers should examine the interest rate, annual package fee, offset balance, redraw rules and the revert rate on any expiring fixed portion. A lower advertised rate is not necessarily a better deal after fees, lost features or refinancing costs.

Third, test the household budget at least one percentage point above the current rate. This is not a forecast; it is a resilience exercise. Include council rates, strata, insurance, maintenance, school costs and realistic discretionary spending. Investors should also allow for vacancy and repairs rather than assuming uninterrupted rent.

Fourth, contact the existing lender before lodging multiple applications. A borrower with a sound repayment history may be able to negotiate a discount without refinancing. If the offer is weak, obtain comparable quotes and seek advice on whether changing lenders will genuinely improve the position.

Fifth, preserve liquidity. Using every available dollar to reduce principal may feel prudent, but an offset account can provide interest savings while retaining access to cash. The right structure depends on tax position and loan purpose, particularly where owner-occupied and investment debt coexist.

Borrowers considering a fixed rate face a trade-off. Fixing can provide repayment certainty, but may restrict additional repayments, offsets or early exit. Splitting a loan can diversify rate exposure without removing risk.

The worst time to examine a mortgage is after repayments have become unmanageable. A review conducted now gives borrowers more choices: renegotiate, refinance, adjust spending or build a buffer while their record remains strong.

Borrower checklist

Calculate: Repayments after a 0.25 and one percentage-point increase.

Compare: Rate, fees, offset, redraw, cashback conditions and total cost.

Review: Fixed-rate expiry, interest-only expiry and remaining loan term.

Protect: Emergency liquidity and insurance.