Close to half of all lenders have increased their variable mortgage rates since July, despite the Reserve Bank keeping the cash rate on hold over that period. Canstar reported that 43 of 90 lenders in its database increased variable mortgage rates over the past three months, while 24 lenders cut rates. The average variable rate increase was 15 basis points. Sixty-five of 80 lenders increased their fixed rates over the period, while 22 cut fixed rates. Rates on one and two-year terms rose more often than rates on longer terms. The average fixed rate increase was 27 bps. According to the latest Mozo Banking Roundup, AMP Bank, Auswide, Bank of Sydney and Hume Bank increased rates last month, while HSBC and Westpac made a mix of pricing adjustments.