Market Intelligence
The Lender Watchlist
We track rates, policies, and appetite across Australia's lending landscape — so when it's time to move, you move with precision. Here's what we're seeing right now.
Who We Work With
We actively liaise with 44 lenders on your behalf — from the major banks to specialist and non-bank institutions — negotiating rates, comparing policies, and identifying which lender is the right fit for your situation right now.
Panel subject to change. Additional specialist lenders available on request.
RBA Cash Rate
The official rate set by the Reserve Bank of Australia. It anchors the cost of money across the economy, and lenders price mortgage and business products against it.
Current Target
4.35%
Up 0.25 percentage points from 4.10%
Last updated: 6 May 2026
Latest Decision
On 5 May 2026, the RBA Board lifted the cash rate target by 25 basis points, effective 6 May 2026. It marks the third consecutive rate increase this year as the Board continues to respond to inflation remaining above its 2 to 3 per cent target band.
Source: RBA Cash Rate TargetCurrent Rate Snapshot
A high-level view of average lending rates across housing and business categories, based on RBA reporting. Individual lender rates vary — and that's precisely where we add value.
Housing Rates
*Average rates on outstanding loans, reported by the RBA (Feb 2026).
Business Rates
*Weighted average rates on outstanding loans, reported by the RBA (Feb 2026).
Housing Lending Rates
The gap between what new borrowers are offered and what existing customers pay remains significant. Lenders are offering aggressive introductory pricing to attract new business — a dynamic that rewards those willing to reassess their position.
| Lending Type | Average Rate |
|---|---|
| Owner-occupier (outstanding loans) | 5.73% |
| Owner-occupier (new loans) | 5.72% |
| Investor (outstanding loans) | 5.97% |
| Investor (new loans) | 5.90% |
Last updated: Feb 2026
Source: RBA Housing RatesBusiness Lending Rates
Business lending reflects a broader risk assessment by institutions. Secured facilities remain competitively priced, while unsecured lending continues to carry a substantial premium — reinforcing the value of structuring your finance correctly.
| Lending Type | Interest Rate |
|---|---|
| Small business, total (outstanding) | 7.03% |
| Small business, total (new) | 6.91% |
| Medium business, weighted average (outstanding) | 5.63% |
| Medium business, weighted average (new) | 5.78% |
| Large business, weighted average (outstanding) | 5.18% |
| Large business, weighted average (new) | 5.02% |
Last updated: Feb 2026
Source: RBA Business RatesFind the Best Rate for Your Situation
The RBA averages above are a useful benchmark, but they do not capture every product, such as other-security or unsecured small business lending, or the sharper pricing available through negotiation. Talk to us and we will compare live rates across our panel of 44 lenders to find the best option for you.