Base Home Loans

The RBA cash rate is now 4.35%

The Reserve Bank of Australia’s cash rate target increased to 4.35% effective 6 May 2026, following a 0.25 percentage point increase.

For borrowers, this matters because interest rates affect both repayments and borrowing capacity.

When rates rise, lenders generally assess new borrowers more conservatively. That can reduce the amount some buyers are able to borrow, even if their income has not changed.

For existing mortgage holders, higher rates can also increase repayment pressure, especially for households that have not reviewed their loan for some time.

This does not mean every borrower needs to panic.

But it does mean this is a sensible time to check whether your loan structure, rate, offset, repayment strategy and lender still suit your situation.

Get Your Free First Home Buyer Finance Guide

Still living on two-minute noodles to save for your first home?
Good news! You might not need to anymore.

With the expanded Home Guarantee Scheme, eligible first home buyers can now get into the market with as little as 5% deposit, no LMI required.

At Base Home Loans, we’ll walk you through every step, from checking your eligibility and borrowing capacity to finding the right loan (along with hints and tips for actually getting your offer accepted!)

This simple guide explains what you need to know before buying your first home — from deposits to approval. No jargon, no obligation. Just helpful advice from one of Perth’s best independent mortgage brokers.

Ready to get started? Download your free guide today. https://basehomeloans.com.au/first-home/