Noosa mortgage holders will soon see higher borrowing costs after the Reserve Bank of Australia raised the official cash rate by 25 basis points – from 3.60% to 3.85% – at its first monetary policy meeting of 2026.
The decision comes as inflation remains above the RBA’s target range, prompting the central bank to tighten policy to keep price rises in check.
While the RBA’s move aims to rein in inflation, it directly affects homeowners with variable‑rate home loans.
A quarter‑per cent rise could add roughly $90 extra per month on a $600,000 mortgage if fully passed on by lenders, with larger loan sizes incurring proportionally higher costs.
The impact on Noosa borrowers will vary depending on loan size and whether the repayment amounts were reduced during previous rate cuts.
Some borrowers have already maintained higher payments, which may soften the immediate shock of the hike. However, those who cut repayments in prior months including some first‑home buyers and families may face noticeably tighter budgets as lenders adjust rates.
Financial counsellors and economists have warned that higher repayments reduce disposable income, potentially slowing consumer spending and increasing financial stress for households already juggling living costs.
