Redlend Weekly 06
Edition 06 - 31 August 2026
I hope you’ve all had a great weekend.
It was another busy family weekend with the kids’ basketball juggle. I managed to make it to my son’s game, although unfortunately they lost their first final, not quite the result we were hoping for!
We fired up the pizza oven on Saturday night, although I definitely need to work on my dough! We wrapped up the weekend with a visit to the Wattle Festival in Hurstbridge on Sunday.
As always, I’ve also been working on ways to improve the information and content we provide to our clients. If you haven’t already, have a look at our Instagram page for regular tips, updates and property insights.
Talk soon!
Adam
This Week…
Could interest rates rise again in 2026?
You don’t have to wait for the RBA to move.
Property Spotlight in Lilydale.
Suburb Spotlight in Ringwood.
Mortgage News
Could interest rates rise again in 2026?
Australia's latest inflation data has reignited concerns that the RBA may need to raise interest rates again before the end of the year.
The July Consumer Price Index (CPI) was released this week, showing annual inflation eased from 3.8% to 3.5%. However, the more closely watched trimmed mean measure of underlying inflation remained elevated at 3.6%.
Following the result, three of Australia's Big Four banks are now forecasting another 25 basis point increase in the RBA's cash rate.
NAB is currently forecasting a rise at the September meeting, while ANZ and Commonwealth Bank are forecasting a November increase.
Westpac is the outlier, continuing to forecast that interest rates will remain on hold for the rest of 2026.
The concern is that inflation isn't falling quickly enough. While headline CPI has eased, underlying inflation remains well above the RBA's 2–3% target range. The July data also showed a 1.0% monthly increase in CPI, with fuel prices rising sharply during the month.
The RBA has already increased the cash rate three times in 2026, by a total of 75 basis points, taking the official cash rate to 4.35%.
After the RBA's August meeting, Governor Michele Bullock made it clear that another increase remains on the table:
“The Board will raise interest rates further if that is what is required to bring inflation down in a timely way.”
The next major test will be the September RBA meeting, with more inflation and economic data due before then.
Interestingly, Westpac is still forecasting no further rate increases this year.
As a mortgage broker, I'm obviously hoping Westpac gets this one right.
For anyone with a mortgage, or thinking about buying, it's a good reminder that interest rates aren't guaranteed to move in one direction. The best strategy is to make sure your loan is structured so you can comfortably manage the rate you're paying today, as well as potential changes in the future.
Mortgage Tip
You don’t have to wait for the RBA to move.
With plenty of discussion this week about whether the RBA could raise interest rates again before the end of the year, it’s easy to assume there’s nothing you can do until the next cash rate decision.
But your home loan rate doesn’t necessarily move in line with the RBA.
While the RBA has held the cash rate at 4.35%, lenders are still competing for new customers, with many continuing to adjust their own home loan pricing. Recent data shows dozens of lenders offering variable rates below 6%, despite uncertainty around the next RBA move.
The tip? Don't wait for the RBA to make a move before reviewing your home loan.
If you haven't looked at your mortgage in a while, it could be worth checking whether your current loan and interest rate are still competitive.
A review doesn't always mean refinancing. Sometimes it may simply mean negotiating with your existing lender. Either way, knowing what options are available puts you in a better position.
Because while you can't control what the RBA does next, you can make sure you're not paying more than you need to.
Property Spotlight
Lilydale - Victoria
Property Spotlight: 3/50 Anderson Street, Lilydale
This Lilydale townhouse caught my eye because I think there's some genuine value add potential here.
Rather than paying a premium for someone else's renovation, a buyer could potentially make some relatively simple cosmetic improvements, refreshing the kitchen, updating flooring and lighting, improving the outdoor area and plastering some of the internal brickwork to create a lighter, more modern feel.
It's the type of property where you could buy into a great location and gradually improve the home over time, rather than needing to do everything at once.
I’m a big believer that the opportunity isn't in finding the perfect home, it's in finding one with potential.
Here is what the numbers could look like…
Approximate numbers for general information only, this is not financial advice and individual circumstances will vary.
We will base this as a First Home Buyer on an Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme
Assume a Sale @ $560,000
A Deposit @ 5% = $28,000
Stamp Duty & Government Fees @ $1,545 including the Victorian Government First Home Buyer Stamp Duty Exemption
Conveyancing & Building Pest Inspection @ $3000
Funds Required $29,845
Monthly Repayments @ $3292
Based on 6.3% Interest Rate, 30 years, Principal & Interest
Suburb Spotlight
Ringwood, VIC 3076
Ringwood is a well established eastern Melbourne suburb with a population of around 19,100 people.
The suburb recorded 9.6% population growth between 2016 and 2021, with the predominant age group being 30–39 years. Households are primarily couples with children, and around 57.8% of homes are owner-occupied.
Houses
• Median sale price: $1,059,400
• Lower quartile: $922,250
• Upper quartile: $1,231,250
• 139 unique properties listed for sale over the past 12 months
• 42 properties currently listed
Units
• Median sale price: $639,000
• Lower quartile: $530,000
• Upper quartile: $799,250
Rental Market
Recent house listings range from approximately $540–$850 per week, depending on the property.
Units are generally being advertised around $500–$620 per week.
Ringwood offers a mix of established family homes and more affordable units, making it an interesting eastern suburbs market for both owner occupiers and investors.
With the median house price sitting just above $1 million and the median unit price around $640,000, there is a relatively broad range of property options depending on your budget and goals.
Property data supplied by Cotality. Figures current as at 30 August 2026 and provided for general information only, not personal financial or property advice. If you would like your own free property report, please email me below.
Request a Free Property Report
Lets Talk Property
Whether you're buying your first home, refinancing, investing or just looking for some guidance, I'm always happy to have a conversation.
No pressure. No obligation. Just honest advice to help you make informed property decisions.
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