RBA Holds Rates at 3.85% – No Relief for Struggling Homeowners as Prices Hit Record High
// Breaking News //
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has kept interest rates on hold at 3.85%, dashing hopes of relief for mortgage holders as house prices soar to record highs and loan defaults spike in key suburbs.
�� #1: RBA’s Decision – Why No Rate Cut?
Inflation "stubborn": While headline CPI dropped to 2.1% (May 2025), core inflation remains at 2.4%—still above RBA’s 2-3% target.
Global uncertainty: Trade tensions and weak demand weigh on the outlook.
6-3 vote to hold rates, signaling caution despite economic strain.
�� RBA Statement:
"With rates already down 50bps since late 2024, we need more data to confirm inflation is sustainably returning to target."
�� #2: Mortgage Stress Crisis – These Suburbs Are Suffering
�� Worst-Hit Areas (March 2025 Data):
State |
Suburb |
Mortgage Delinquency Rate |
VIC |
Craigieburn |
3.10% (highest in Australia) |
VIC |
Caroline Springs |
2.8% |
NSW |
Blacktown |
2.5% |
NSW |
Liverpool |
2.3% |
Why?
Young families in outer suburbs face high debt-to-income ratios.
WA improves (0.86% delinquency) as mining rebound lifts home values.
�� National Trends:
VIC (1.17%) and NSW (1.07%) worst-performing states.
CoreLogic: "We may be near the peak of mortgage stress."
�� What’s Next?
No rate cuts until 2026? Economists split on RBA’s next move.
House prices keep rising: Low supply offsets high rates.
Renters squeezed too: Vacancy rates at record lows.
⚠️ Warning: If unemployment rises, delinquencies could surge again.