As central banks around the world try to contain inflation, interest rates are expected to rise from their ultra-low levels to around 2.5 per cent by the end of this year in Australia. For property buyers, especially those who have not experienced any rate rises over the past 10 years, the recent rate moves by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) may seem drastic. Homeowners who have taken huge mortgages may not be happy with the increased repayments.