RBA Raises Cash Rate to 4.60%

September 2026 | Hillsea Real Estate Market Update

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has raised the official cash rate by 25 basis points to 4.60% at its September meeting, marking the fourth cash rate increase of 2026.

The decision comes as underlying inflation remains above the RBA’s target range of 2–3%. Annual trimmed mean inflation, the RBA’s preferred measure of underlying inflation, remained at 3.6% in the 12 months to July 2026, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

The RBA has highlighted several factors contributing to ongoing inflationary pressure, including global economic uncertainty, higher costs across parts of the economy and constraints on Australia’s supply capacity.

RBA Governor Michele Bullock has reiterated that inflation remains too high and that the Board is focused on preventing elevated inflation from becoming embedded in wages and prices.

What does this mean for property?

Interest rates remain an important influence on Australia’s property market. Higher borrowing costs can affect mortgage repayments, borrowing capacity and the amount buyers are able to spend on property.

Changes in borrowing conditions can also influence buyer demand and competition, although the impact varies between different locations and property types.

Across the Gold Coast, local market conditions continue to be influenced by a combination of interest rates, available housing stock, buyer demand, population growth and broader economic conditions.

The effect of the latest rate increase will continue to be observed across the property market as households, buyers and investors adjust to the current interest-rate environment.

With the cash rate now at 4.60%, the September decision represents a significant development in Australia’s economic landscape and will remain an important factor to watch as the RBA assesses inflation and economic conditions over the coming months.

Disclaimer

This article is provided for general information and discussion purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, lending, taxation or legal advice. Market conditions, interest rates and economic circumstances can change, and individual circumstances may vary. Readers should seek independent professional advice relevant to their own circumstances before making any financial or property decisions. Hillsea Real Estate makes no guarantee as to the accuracy, completeness or future relevance of the information provided.