Thanks for your replies. I haven't received first statement from ANZ yet but i just called and spoke to their settlements team for the balance of legal fees and govt fees etc. I refinanced 4 loans with them so there was a few costs to check. Its all good now!

Wisepearl, i think he will be presenting offers on the same day. Im in WA and its called 'expressions of interest' where we put it in writing but its not writing up an actual formal contract. Ive never done it before.

Thanks for sharing your experience Andrew. That would be right with the banks! I have been given the 8 page special conditions that covers themselves, basically you buy 'as is'.

Thanks for the advice. I will go with asking price only. I know that the the neighbour (other side of the duplex) viewed the property and the agent has said that they are organising finance to put in an offer. He said they are taking expressions of interest to present to bank. I just know there will be a lot of interest and offers after the 1st home open on Sunday, but i will just try get mine in early.

Thanks wisepearl!

Thanks for the advice Kent! I haven't put an offer in yet. I have a clause that says if there are major maintenance issues or substandard improvements i can terminate the contract, deposit repaid etc. Hmm should i add in about an electrical report/plumbing?

Resicert looks great! the structural plus building inspection service is exactly what im looking for.

Thanks. Its all coming down to my budget, i can basically afford either a villa/unit in the inner suburb or a house in the outer area.
Ive read and heard different views on unit vs house but seems that a renovation on a house (done well) gives more scope for upwards value than a unit.

Catalyst were your reno's units or houses?

thanks, definately something to factor in. The sales agent has made a point of advertising the sale as coming with benefit of saving $$ on SD. But i definately dont want to believe that yet! need to investigate.

Ok thanks Richard. They are separate titles, seller just has condition of selling off all at once/together.

Thanks Terry, this is the reason im considering trusts now as we look to purchase our 5th ppty however my husband is a high income earner and we prefer to keep negative gearing benefits, how do we get the best of both? Ive heard that Hybrid trust may provide this although the tax office is not keen on these and banks aren't either?? With credit tight as it is i dont want to hinder borrowing prospects to grow portfolio.