As we hit publish, we’re sensitive to the fact that the mood is concerning. This blog post is an edited version of the newsletter we distributed to our email list last week, in light of global unrest increasing.

As we grapple with concerns over the Middle East conflict and its flow on effects in Australia, including petrol price hikes, supply issues of goods and services and increased costs of living – to summarise the situation lightly – we’re here to get on with the job at hand. Because even though petrol prices might soon have you pedalling your pushbike to work, you still need a house to come home to. And despite current events, the property investing market is strong.

Here’s what we’re covering today:

• Interest rate rises and Middle East conflict implications
• Inflation busters – you share your tips
• The Australian Government Help to Buy Scheme – now open
• Fixed or variable? The best choice when rates are rising

Inflation causes RBA interest rate rises, March 2026

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) Board has wrapped up its March meeting. Here’s what they’ve decided to do with interest rates:

OLD RATE: 3.85%

CHANGE: +0.25%

NEW RATE: 4.10%

The Reserve Bank of Australia lifted the cash rate by 25 basis points to 4.10% on Tuesday.

This decision was due to rising inflation risks including slightly lower unemployment figures, the onset of higher petrol prices and uncertainty around the conflict in the Middle East. 

Although inflation has fallen since its heights in 2022, data from January 2026 showed an increase to 3.8% which is outside the RBA’s preferred range of 2% to 3%. 

Globally, the conflict in the Middle East poses substantial economic risks. A longer or more severe conflict could increase global energy prices; this will push up near-term inflation and could also increase inflation further out if it impairs supply capacity or price rises get built into longer term inflation expectations.

There is significant uncertainty in the global outlook, and the general sentiment is that inflation could stay higher than expected for longer than expected. In light of these considerations, the Board judged inflation may stay high and decided to act.

Interestingly, the board members voted 5 to 4 in favour of increasing rates … so if anyone knows that 5th board member who voted to increase, can we suggest you have a word with them before their next meeting?!

Money saving tips amidst rising inflation

We asked, you answered. Thanks to our Instagram community for sending us these tips to help keep your head above water with increased costs of living.

‘Avoid the middle aisles at Aldi. Total budget burner. 🙈’

‘7-eleven price lock app. It searches for the lowest petrol price in your area and then locks that price for 7 days.’

‘Put a set amount of money on a debit card for your groceries every week. I do my main shop online to stay on budget. I’m incorporating more home baking for school lunchboxes, and budget-friendly ingredients for meals.’

‘Coles online has a membership where you pay $19 a month but then you get 10% off one shop a month. We end up saving every month on a bigger re-stock shop, plus they often have online discount codes that you don’t get at the shops.’

‘I check the subscriptions tab in my phone every now and then … usually find a few random things in there, oops.’

‘Holding out for mid-year sales to shop some bigger expenses (‘big boy bed for my 3 year old) and shopping ahead for birthdays.’

‘I’ve just found out about the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, where you get free dental care for kids under 18. Wish I’d known about this 2 kids ago 🤪.’

Great tips! And here’s a couple of extras from us:

1. High-yield savings accounts: move your cash from standard savings to high-yield accounts, which can offer interest rates of 3% to 4%, helping to protect the value of your money.

2. Prioritise debt repayment: Aim to pay down your high-interest debts, such as credit cards, as these costs tend to rise during periods of inflation.

The Australian Government Help to Buy Scheme

A timely reminder that the Help to Buy Scheme is now open, and accepting applications. If you’ve saved what you can, but are still a little short on your deposit, Help to Buy could help bridge that gap and get you into your own home, faster. Find out what you need to know with our simply summary of the Australian Government Help to Buy Scheme.

Fixed vs variable interest rates – a mortgage broker’s recommendation when rates are on the rise

Is now a good time to buy? The best time to buy is always now, as they say. Property expert Michael Yardney noted last week, ‘Crises feel catastrophic in the moment, but rarely cause lasting damage. History shows markets recover and often grow stronger after wars, recessions, and global shocks. Property markets typically slow in activity, not fall in value. Uncertainty creates opportunity for strategic investors. Less competition and better buying conditions reward those who stay calm, prepared, and long-term focused’. Read the full article here: War, Worry and Wealth: Why Australia’s Property Market Will Weather the Storm.

With that in mind, read our straightforward advice on fixed rates vs variable rates, and what we typically recommend.