In bad news for borrowers, the Reserve Bank is widely expected to keep rates on hold. (Diego Fedele/AAP PHOTOS)In bad news for borrowers, the Reserve Bank is widely expected to keep rates on hold. The Reserve Bank has lowered mortgage rates three times since February, shaving more than $270 from monthly repayments for an average home loan of $600,000. While Dr Powell doesn't expect more interest rate relief until at least November, first-home buyers will receive another boost on Wednesday. Rising rental costs have further boosted the value proposition of the scheme to first-home buyers, Cotality head of research Eliza Owen said.