Each week, we unpack the biggest Australian headlines impacting businesses and everyday professionals — from policy changes and economic indicators to tech, compliance, and consumer trends. Expect a crisp recap, plain-English context, and practical takeaways you can act on in minutes. Reliable, jargon-free, and designed for busy listeners who want to stay informed without the noise. Updated weekly, so you never miss what matters.
This Week:
Fixed-rate mortgages rose again, with multiple lenders hiking and Macquarie lifting for the second time in a month. The Help to Buy shared equity scheme launched on 5 December with two participating lenders, income and price caps, and 10,000 places a year. The RBA cash rate stays around 3.6% after three cuts in 2025, while lenders continue out‑of‑cycle moves on fixed rates and selected variable tweaks. Listeners are encouraged to compare options and check eligibility to align repayments and features with their goals.
EPISODE 958 | Australian Internet Loans Weekly News Insights | Sat, 6th Dec 2025
12 Dec 2025 | Paige Estritori
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Read Full Transcript:
Hello and welcome to Australian Internet Loans Weekly News Insights, Im Paige Estritori, and its Saturday, 6 December 2025.
First, fixed home loan rates jumped again this week. Bank-owned brands and regionals lifted fixed rates by up to about a third of a percentage point, and Macquarie followed with its second rise in a month, in some cases close to a full percentage point. Lenders are responding to hotter inflation and talk that any further Reserve Bank cuts are off the table for now, with some warning of possible hikes in 2026. If youre weighing fixed versus variable, compare across lenders and features, and run a quick eligibility check before you lock anything in.
Next up, Help to Buy has launched. From 5 December, eligible buyers in most states and territories can purchase with the government taking up to 40% equity on a new home, or up to 30% on an existing home, with 10,000 places a year. Two lenders are participating at launch, with income and property price caps applying, and Western Australia and Tasmania not yet onboard. If youre a first‑home buyer or returning to market, check whether the scheme plus standard loans or low‑deposit options could reduce your upfront costs and LMI.
Meanwhile, the cash rate remains at about three‑point‑six per cent after three cuts earlier this year. The Reserve Bank of Australia, or RBA, is signalling a longer pause while lenders keep moving fixed rates out of cycle, though a few smaller players are still tweaking variable offers. For households and small businesses, that means repayments can vary by lender and product more than by the cash rate right now. A fast comparison can reveal savings or a structure, like offset or split loans, that better fits your cash flow.
Thats it for this week. For tailored comparisons and a free eligibility check on personal and business loans, head to internet-loans.com.au. Im Paige Estritori—thanks for listening, and Ill see you next week.
The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.
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