Julian Finch: Home owners are asleep at the wheel - your interest rate is being quietly raised
Announcement posted by Invigorate PR 28 Jan 2026
While most Australians are watching the Reserve Bank, another shift is happening quietly in the background and it's already impacting household budgets.
Across the market, lenders are subtly increasing interest rates through out-of-cycle adjustments, reduced discounts and changes to loan conditions. These changes often fly under the radar, but for borrowers they can translate into thousands of dollars a year in additional repayments.
According to Julian Finch, founder and CEO of Finch Financial, this is where many borrowers get caught out.
Julian Finch is the founder and CEO of Finch Financial. With decades of mortgage brokerage and commercial lending experience, Finch has helped thousands of Australians successfully navigate the lending process. Finch Financial has one of the highest loan approval rates in the country, often securing approvals within minutes. Considered the Money Man, Julian Finch has helped many people get into the best-fit home loans fast and with minimal effort so they can buy their dream home or ideal investment property.
"The biggest mistake people make is assuming nothing has changed because the RBA hasn't moved," Finch said.
"Banks adjust pricing constantly. If you're not actively reviewing your loan, you can very easily end up paying more than you should."
Why many borrowers are caught off guard
Many homeowners believe loyalty will be rewarded or that their bank will proactively offer them a better deal. In reality, that rarely happens.
"Banks don't call customers to say there's a cheaper loan available," Finch said.
"If you're not checking, you're probably overpaying."
Speak to your bank, then look wider
Finch encourages borrowers to start by contacting their bank and asking for a pricing review.
"In some cases, that conversation alone can reduce your rate, but it shouldn't be the only step you take," he said.
He said working with a mortgage broker can give borrowers a clearer picture of what's happening across the entire market.
"A broker looks at hundreds of loans and lenders," Finch said.
"That insight is critical when rates are moving quietly."
Should you consider fixing your loan?
With lenders lifting rates outside of RBA movements, fixing part or all of a loan may offer peace of mind.
"For some borrowers, fixing a portion of the loan can provide certainty while still keeping flexibility," Finch said.
"The market is predicting interest rate rises in 2026 in response to stubborn inflation rates. Some lenders are still offering very good fixed rates which may protect borrowers at a time when rates are tipped to go up.
"People shouldn't fear fixed rates. If rates look like they are going to come back down, we simply move the borrower into a better loan option. I call it loan surfing. You simply ride the best loan wave to catch the best rate."
Review the rest of your finances
Finch also urged households to review all expenses, not just their mortgage.
"Insurance, phone plans and everyday bills often creep up without people noticing," he said.
"Small savings across multiple areas can make a real difference."
The takeaway
"In a market like this, doing nothing is often the most expensive option," Finch said.
"Borrowers who stay proactive are always in the strongest position."
About Finch Financial Services
Based in Hurstville, NSW, Finch Financial Services has been servicing Australian families and businesses with home, personal and commercial loans as well as asset finance services since 2015. Ranked amongst the top five percent of brokerages in Australia according to data from the MFAA, Finch Financial Services is a leading brokerage and family-owned business that specialises in finding its customers loans that are tailored to their needs and goals.