The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has announced a 25 basis point increase to the cash rate, and as expected, most banks have already passed this increase on to borrowers.

For many Australians, that means higher repayments and a little extra pressure on monthly cash flow — especially at a time when the cost of living is already biting.

But a rate rise doesn’t automatically mean you’re stuck paying more than you should.

Buying your first home is one of life’s biggest milestones, but it can also be confusing. The government’s First Home Guarantee Scheme has been revamped, with key changes that came into effect from 1st October 2025.