In this month’s Finder RBA Cash Rate Survey™, 35 experts and economists weighed in on future cash rate moves and other issues relating to the state of the economy.

The majority of experts (86%, 30/35) correctly predicted a cash rate hold – keeping it at 3.60%.

Looking forward to the last meeting of the year, just 14% (5/35) predict a cash rate cut in December at present.

Roughly 1 in 3 (34%, 12/35) are predicting a cut in February 2026.

Graham Cooke, head of consumer research at Finder, said the RBA’s decision offers little comfort to households already feeling the pinch.

“Many Australians were hoping for some breathing room before Christmas, but inflation has returned, and the board is waiting for clearer signs of progress before moving on rates.

“Unless something unprecedented happens, we’re now looking at 2026 for the next rate adjustment.

“If inflation eases, we could see a cut early next year. Until then, homeowners will need to look to other lenders for a better deal.”

The property market is tipped to climb over the next year

On average, experts predict home prices will rise 5.1% nationally over the next 12 months.

Melbourne is tipped to lead the pack, with property prices expected to rise 5.8% over the next 12 months. Sydney isn’t far behind, with a forecast increase of 5.6%.

Brisbane is expected to see steady growth of 4.8%, Perth by 4%, and Adelaide is set to increase by 3.9%.

Almost 2 in 5 (38%) Australians believe now is a good time to buy property, according to Finder’s Consumer Sentiment Tracker.

This marks a steady increase from 28% during the same period last year.

Cooke said confidence in the property market is gradually returning after hitting a low last year.

“There’s a sense that some buyers are seeing opportunities, especially if they’ve been saving or waiting for the right moment.

“Higher interest rates are still on everyone’s mind, so it’s more about taking careful steps than diving in head first.”