Each week, we unpack the biggest Australian headlines impacting businesses and everyday professionals — from policy changes and economic indicators to tech, compliance, and consumer trends. Expect a crisp recap, plain-English context, and practical takeaways you can act on in minutes. Reliable, jargon-free, and designed for busy listeners who want to stay informed without the noise. Updated weekly, so you never miss what matters.
This Week:
This weeks wrap: lenders pass through the RBAs February hike, with Westpac and Macquarie moving and more than 30 lenders lifting rates; first-home buyer loan sizes jump to about $608k as the deposit scheme expansion fuels activity; and a major reverse‑mortgage provider cuts its advertised rate for new customers. Takeaways: check repayments, compare across bank and non‑bank options, and weigh features carefully—Australian Internet Loans can help with a free eligibility check.
EPISODE 1307 | Australian Internet Loans Weekly News Insights | Sat, 21st Feb 2026
22 Feb 2026 | Paige Estritori
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Read Full Transcript:
Hello and welcome to Australian Internet Loans Weekly News Insights, Im Paige Estritori, and its Saturday, 21 February 2026.
First up, lenders kept busy after the Reserve Bank of Australias February cash rate hike. This week, Westpac and Macquarie rounded out the majors by lifting variable home loan rates, joining more than 30 lenders that moved in the past few days. For borrowers, that means repayments will edge higher as increases flow through billing cycles. If your budgets tight, compare options and use our free eligibility check to see if a sharper deal is available without impacting your credit score.
Next up, first‑home buyers are surging back. New figures last week show the typical first‑home buyer loan has climbed to about six‑hundred‑and‑eight thousand dollars, with activity boosted by the expanded five per cent deposit scheme. Investors still make up around two in five new loans, which keeps competition intense. Bigger loan sizes can strain serviceability, so line up documents early and test repayments under higher rates before you apply; our brokers can help you compare across bank and non‑bank options quickly.
Meanwhile, a rare move in reverse mortgages. On 10 February, a major provider trimmed its advertised rate for new customers and held rates steady for existing ones, even as other lenders increased. Thats important for older homeowners who are asset‑rich but cash‑flow tight. Reverse mortgages compound over time, so compare carefully and consider features like fee transparency and flexible drawdowns; we can walk you through options alongside standard equity‑release and downsizing finance.
Thats it for this week. For smart ways to compare personal and business loans, equipment finance, and leasing, head to internet-loans.com.au and get your free assessment today. Im Paige Estritori—thanks for listening, and Ill catch you next week.
The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.
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