Rates held again — what it means if you're buying this year

Holding steady doesn't mean standing still. Lenders have quietly repriced some fixed terms in the weeks since the decision, and buyers who were pre-approved three months ago should get a fresh number before making an offer.

Clearance rates in inner suburbs have firmed slightly, which agents are reading as pent-up demand from buyers who paused during the last rate rise cycle.

If you're weighing up variable versus fixed, a broker can run the numbers against your specific deposit and timeline rather than the headline rate alone.