Hi. Unfortunately the property is in Brisbane, but duckster has given me a few leads which I will be following up so we'll hopefully get it organised soon. Thanks again.

Thanks for that. I did speak to the Body Corp manager. She is 1 of the residents as they run it themselves. Don't want to fall out with them about it, but at the same time her and the secretary just keep saying "well we've never had any problems before, and I've been here for a thousand years blah blah blah….." like that removes them from responsibility!
There must be a doc somewhere that states exactly what forms part of the common areas, but I just haven't found it yet. Keep looking I guess!

Thanks for the replies.
I guess deep down I know you generally, but not always, have to speculate to accumulate. The better the place we buy now, could make a huge difference in the long term. I suppose if I am confident my job is secure, then there shouldn't be an issue with paying more each month. We'll keep looking at the suburbs we were before, but if we get no joy, we may have to downsize our expectations to get something anyway. Places are going way too quickly at the moment.
Thanks again….