How about a 'fixtures and fittings' consideration, is that doable? So I'd buy the unit in it's barest state, and pay the vendor an agreed sum for the kitchen, bathroom, light fittings etc?

Cheers,
Alex

Thanks for that Lina, and I didn't even spot the typos until you pointed them out.

I think the FHOG is an important part of our strategy, and reno is where we made our existing capital so no strangers to it, though that was overseas. I'm still a bit confused about the best way forward though – the home we will ultimately live in will cost more than 600k in todays market, so in order to take full advantage of the fhog we'd have to buy and live in a sub500k property for six months I believe?

Be that as it may, the real investment strategy will lie elsewhere – but I just can't find anything that truly is positively geared, once all the costs are counted – though maybe I'm missing something in my spreadsheet – can anyone recommend a really good property focussed tax accountant who offers advice  by the hour?

Cheers,
Alex