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:
Paige Estritori recaps the week for Australian borrowers. Lenders have moved after the RBAs February rate hike, with analysis showing first‑home buyers borrowing over $600k on average and investors near 40% of new loans. Two mutual banks will lift some variable rates by more than the RBAs increase in mid‑March, while major banks are phasing rises through late February. One reverse‑mortgage provider cut rates, bucking the trend. Takeaways: compare options before applying, plan for effective dates, consider refinancing costs and money‑saving features like offsets, and seek specialist help for seniors lending. Visit internet-loans.com.au for a free eligibility check and comparisons.
EPISODE 1274 | Australian Internet Loans Weekly News Insights | Sat, 14th Feb 2026
17 Feb 2026 | 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, 14 February 2026.
First up, the Reserve Bank of Australia, or RBA, lifted the cash rate earlier this month and lenders have been busy responding. New analysis this week shows first‑home buyers have surged back, with the typical loan now a little over six‑hundred thousand dollars, and investors again making about two in five new mortgages, according to the ABS, the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Many lenders have passed on the quarter‑point rise to variable rates, and several have nudged fixed rates higher too. If youre weighing up your next move, compare options side by side and use a quick eligibility check before applying to keep your credit file clean and your timeline tight.
Meanwhile, two customer‑owned banks are hiking rates by more than the RBAs increase, with changes of up to about a third of a percentage point for some variable loans. For a five‑hundred‑thousand‑dollar mortgage, thats roughly an extra hundred and ten dollars a month, around thirty‑five dollars more than a standard quarter‑point rise. The changes dont kick in until mid‑March, so theres a short window to review your loan. Dont assume your banks move is the same as everyone elses; compare, consider refinancing costs, and look for features that actually save you interest, like an offset.
On timing, most major banks have now applied the RBA rise or will within days. Some moved on 13 February, with others scheduled next week and the week after. If your rate change has a set effective date, plan cash flow early — adjust transfers into your offset, trim expenses, or explore repayment smoothing so the jump doesnt catch you short. A fast online comparison can show if a cleaner, lower‑fee structure offsets the higher rate.
And a curveball for retirees: one reverse‑mortgage provider cut its advertised rate this week and chose not to pass on the RBA hike to existing customers. Thats unusual in a rising‑rate month and could sharpen competition in equity‑release products. If you or a family member is exploring a reverse mortgage, compare providers carefully and check how interest is added over time. A broker who understands seniors lending can map options against your plans to stay in the home.
Thats the wrap. For tailored help across personal and business loans — from refinancing and first‑home options to vehicle and equipment finance — head to internet-loans.com.au for a free eligibility check and side‑by‑side rate comparisons. Im Paige Estritori; thanks for listening and Ill catch 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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