The RBA went up. So Money is moving the other way.

What did the RBA do?

On 29 September 2026 the Reserve Bank's Monetary Policy Board raised the cash rate target by 25 basis points to 4.60%, the highest level since 2011. It was the fourth increase of 2026. The Board said inflation was still too high and that it would tighten further if needed.

When lenders pass these increases on, borrowers feel it. Self-employed borrowers can be hit twice: higher repayments, and a servicing test that gets harder to pass at higher rates.

Full Doc: 30-year and 40-year terms

For borrowers with standard income documents, loans up to $3,500,000 at up to 80% LVR, with a choice of a 30-year or 40-year term.

Spreading repayments over 40 years can lower the monthly repayment, which may improve borrowing capacity. Over the life of the loan, though, a longer term usually means you pay more interest in total. Self-employed Full Doc applicants need only the most recent year of financials, with either the Notice of Assessment or an accountant's letter confirming the returns are final.

Lite Doc assessment: when your Notice of Assessment isn't ready yet

Lite Doc assessment suits self-employed borrowers whose latest ATO Notice of Assessment isn't ready yet. Owner-occupied, P&I, up to 80% LVR:

• Optimal Lite Doc: loans up to $2,000,000.
• Vivid Lite Doc: a 100% offset account, unlimited cash-out and no risk fee at up to 80% LVR.

Income can be shown in one of three ways: one year of financials and tax returns with an accountant's lodgement confirmation, an accountant's income declaration, or the latest 2 quarters of BAS or 6 months of business bank statements. Individuals, companies and trusts can apply, subject to credit assessment.

Lite Doc Jumbo: up to $5,000,000

For larger self-employed owner-occupied P&I loans: up to $5,000,000 at up to 70% LVR, and up to $3,500,000 at up to 80% LVR. A risk fee applies.

Easy Refi: refinance on your repayment history

Both Easy Refi options refinance your existing loan balance using alternate servicing, based on 12 months of good repayment history.

• Prime Easy Refi: owner-occupied P&I up to $3,500,000 at up to 80% LVR. Your current lender must be on our approved lender list. Individuals only.
• Optimal Easy Refi: the same rate for owner-occupied and investment P&I, up to $2,000,000 at up to 80% LVR. Refinance from any regulated lender. Individuals, companies and trusts.

Which one fits?

• Repayments too high, or servicing won't pass at today's rates: a Full Doc 40-year term, or Easy Refi if you have a 12-month repayment record.
• Self-employed and still waiting on your Notice of Assessment: Optimal or Vivid Lite Doc.
• Investment property, company or trust borrower, or a lender outside the approved list: Optimal Easy Refi.

Speak with a mortgage broker about these loans, or call So Money on 1300 888 668.

Sources

• RBA — Monetary Policy Decision, 29 September 2026 ↗
• ASIC MoneySmart — choosing a home loan ↗

*The 6.44% p.a. rate applies to owner-occupied Full Doc P&I loans with a 30-year term at up to 70% LVR. The comparison rate is based on a secured loan of $150,000 over 25 years. WARNING: This comparison rate is true only for the example given and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate. Rates for other products, LVRs and terms are higher. Rates are variable and current as at 20 October 2026. They are promotional and may change or be withdrawn without notice. All applications are subject to credit assessment, verification and lending criteria. This article is general information, not personal credit advice. So Money · Lingqing Capital Pty Ltd ACN 623 538 894 · Australian Credit Licence 504917.