18/06/2026
🏡 RBA keeps rates on hold at 4.35% — here’s what that actually means for buyers right now.
Big news from the Reserve Bank earlier this week, but honestly, the interest rate decision isn’t the thing I’m most focused on.
What’s been quietly reshaping the market is the Federal Budget change announced in May — and it’s already affecting how much people can borrow.
Here’s the short version:
🔴 Established (second-hand) investment properties purchased after 12 May 2026 — negative gearing may no longer be considered in lending assessments, potentially reducing borrowing capacity.
🟢 New builds — negative gearing and existing CGT concessions may continue to apply.
Because of these policy changes, lenders such as Macquarie and ING have already adjusted their lending calculators. For some buyers, borrowing capacity may be reduced even if their income and financial position remain unchanged.
So if you’ve been weighing up your options, now is a good time to have a proper conversation — not to rush into anything, but to make sure your strategy still aligns with the changing market conditions.