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$1m+ down in 3mo: Aussie suburbs take major hit<\/a><\/p>\n Australia set for new real estate boom<\/a><\/p>\n Banks revise forecasts: What changed?<\/p>\n In just over a week, three of the big four banks have updated their cash rate predictions. <\/p>\n ANZ and CBA now expect a single rate cut in February 2026, while NAB forecasts the same in May. <\/p>\n Westpac remains the outlier, predicting three cuts \u2013 one in November 2025, another in February 2026, and a third in May 2026. <\/p>\n However, even Westpac\u2019s economists admit a November cut is \u201cfar from assured.\u201d<\/p>\n The shift in forecasts comes as inflation data continues to challenge expectations. <\/p>\n Canstar.com.au data insights director, Sally Tindall said while forecasts can be wrong, the latest two rounds of monthly inflation data had cast a long shadow over the chance of a rate cut this year. <\/p>\n \u201cANZ is the third major bank to slam the door shut on expectations of a 2025 rate cut,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n \u201cHouseholds waiting for the RBA to swoop in with a cut could be waiting a while. If you want to get ahead on your mortgage, take matters into your own hands by shopping around for a sharper rate.\u201d<\/p>\n What does this mean for homeowners?<\/p>\n For the foreseeable future, borrowers will need to manage their mortgage repayments without the prospect of immediate rate relief. <\/p>\n With the cash rate likely to remain on hold, homeowners should focus on securing the best possible deal on their home loans.<\/p>\n According to Canstar.com.au, the lowest variable rate for owner-occupiers is currently 4.99 per cent, though this is typically reserved for first-home buyers. <\/p>\n Refinancers may find rates starting at 5.08 per cent. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n