August 2026
Dear Client
RBA interest rates decision August 2026
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has decided to hold the cash rate at 4.35 per cent, as it waits for more evidence that previous interest rate hikes are bringing inflation under control. The decision marks the second consecutive hold of the year following July’s meeting, signalling a tentative sign of stability for Australian homeowners after the first half of 2026 was front loaded with three rate hikes – but the board remains bullish in its message that inflation is still too high. Inflation currently sits at 3.8 per cent in June, down from 4 per cent in May, and still remains above the RBA’s target range of 2 to 3 per cent. But it did come in lower than expected, and now all four banks have officially ruled out any more rate hikes this year. While the RBA remains hawkish in their messaging, Treasurer Jim Chalmers says today’s news will bring some reprieve to mortgage holders.
“This will come as a relief to Australians with a mortgage. It is a welcome decision at a time of heightened uncertainty in the world and persistent pressure in our own economy at home as well,” Chalmers said in a press conference after the announcement.“This is the second rates decision since the budget and on both occasions we’ve seen rates held steady, and this decision reflects the fact that inflation has been coming in well under the Reserve Bank and the Treasury’s forecast.” Melbourne-based buyers advocate Emily Wallace agrees today’s hold may bring some more activity to the market, but confidence levels would remain subdued and may not be enough to entice vendors to sell. “Confidence would come with a drop, but I would say the hold just give [buyers and sellers] that sort of content state,” she says.“I think more people will enter the market but I think what we really need though is vendors to enter the market because I just don’t think there’s enough properties to match the number of people who do want to buy.”
RBA interest rates decision August 2026: Cash rate held at 4.35 per cent
Adelaide house prices defy national property downturn
Despite consecutive interest rate rises, plummeting consumer sentiment and once-in-a-generation changes to property tax laws, Adelaide houses posted their strongest quarter in years, skyrocketing almost 5 per cent to $1,125,070. In Sydney, house prices plummeted almost $60,000 (down 3.3 per cent) and in Melbourne they fell almost $30,000 (3.1 per cent). Even Perth and Brisbane hit the brakes on a record-run of house price growth.
In contrast, Adelaide appears to have emerged from one of the most turbulent property market years in half a decade with barely a bruise – even gaining its first $2 million suburb in Burnside. But as the boutique city bucks the trend, the question isn’t how high it can climb – it’s how long it can last. And experts give it weeks, not months, crediting a severe housing shortage as Adelaide’s “one saving grace”. Ray White chief economist Nerida Conisbee says much of the ongoing growth pointed to the strength of the state economy.
“Adelaide is absolutely having its moment,” she says.
“It was underpriced for a long time … but the economy has also helped, and that’s thanks to a strong state premier who has spent a lot on defence.
“Even the regional economy is doing well, including agriculture and mining.
“That said, we expect it to pull back a bit. It won’t fall as much as Sydney or Melbourne. And there’s still a bit of investor activity in the northern suburbs of Adelaide as they are really affordable and still achieve good rents.
“But it’s pretty similar to everywhere in terms of sentiment. Open home attendance is lower, and auctions are not getting as many bidders.
“And if you look at other data it’s already showing a decline … so I think it will weaken over coming months…”
Adelaide house prices surge $51,000 in 90 days as city defies national property downturn
A Small Hose Could Cause Big Water Damage – And an Expensive Insurance Claim
Flexi hoses are commonly found under sinks, behind toilets and inside vanities, usually hidden out of sight and rarely thought about. While they play an important role in everyday plumbing, flexi hoses can deteriorate over time due to age, wear and tear, pressure or poor installation. When they burst, they can release a significant amount of water very quickly. Steve Manning, an experienced loss adjuster with LMI Group, says burst flexi hoses continue to cause significant problems for Australian property owners.
“Sadly, burst flexi hoses remain one of the greatest causes of insurance losses for Australians,” Steve says. “Over the past couple of months, I have been assisting a couple of families who have lost the use of their houses due to burst flexi hoses. One family has now been out of their house for coming on three months and have been moved five times with works yet to begin.” Burst flexi hoses are a risk landlords and property managers can manage with preventative maintenance and regular checks. A good property maintenance routine should include inspecting flexi hoses for warning signs such as rust, corrosion, kinks, moisture, bulging or fraying. It’s also important to check the age of hoses, as older hoses can become more susceptible to failure over time.
Landlords and property managers should consider:
– asking plumbers to inspect flexi hoses during routine maintenance visits
– checking hoses during routine inspections where accessible
– proactively replacing ageing hoses before failure occurs
– ensuring replacement hoses are installed by a licensed plumber.
If any warning signs are spotted, replacement should be arranged as soon as possible. If you wish to discuss any preventative measures at your property, please contact your property manager and they will be happy to assist. A Small Hose Could Cause Big Water Damage – And an Expensive Insurance Claim | EBM RentCover
Thank you for your ongoing support!
Regards David, Benjamin & the Team at DB Philpott Real Estate
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