Inflation Returns to Australia—Will the RBA Be Forced to Hike?

In this episode of Talk Property To Me, hosts Brad East and Aaron Downie break down why inflation is rising again and what it could mean for Australia's interest rates in 2026. With electricity prices, rent and housing costs keeping inflation elevated, the big question is: will the RBA hike in February 2026, or hold and reassess mid-year?

We unpack the key drivers behind the latest inflation headlines, why rate rises don't fix electricity prices, and what the Big Four banks are predicting (with opinions split). If you're a homeowner, investor, or planning to buy, this episode focuses on practical strategy—how to think about borrowing capacity, buffers, and staying calm when the media goes "doom and gloom."

Key topics covered

✔️ Australia inflation 2026: what's pushing it higher

✔️ RBA interest rates 2026: February hike vs hold

 ✔️ Why electricity costs keep inflation sticky (and why rates won't fix it)

 ✔️ Rent, housing supply, vacancy rates & the pressure on the market

 ✔️ Big Four bank predictions and what they imply for borrowers

 ✔️ Practical advice: don't max borrowing capacity + build an offset buffer