If all else fails, write to your local state MP – there is nothing worse than a dept getting a 'Ministerial' to answer. Oops, just read that but push it again anyway. The MP must provide you with a satisfactory answer (yes it goes to the dept head then the manager etc to give you some lame excuse but follow it up regardless).

In all of my dealings with DOH & other depts which 'own' property, there is an underlying obligation that the contractors that they use are licensed ie they don't want anything to come back and bite them on the bum. Cardboard in walls????? Might be a little hard to prove who fixed that one (maybe a tenant after putting their own fist through the wall).

I find this lack of co-operation at all levels unbelievable – if it is true, contact the opposition party MP for Housing, Dept of Fair Trading (with the proof of the quotes from DOH) and A Current Affair – it may actually be interesting.

wdemirdonder – don't knock back a career as a tradie – they are in short supply. Sure the money for the first couple of years is a little lean but it does improve dramatically once you are qualified. Don't buy a car if you can avoid it – as a tradie/apprentice you may end up with one as a lurk of the job.

When I started investing banks required a hefty deposit, charged a higher rate for IPs and there was little in the way of govt support for investments/FHB. Even with a 50% deposit, stable employment, I still required a guarantor. That was when I was 21.

Get that deposit up & cut back on your trimmings – I still haven't been to Bali (but I enjoy 2 weeks in my favourite resort, of course).

Well done so far, keep saving, get a part-time job to maximise your deposit. Banks need to see that you can repay a loan ie have stable income before they will lend. At 17 and still at school, it will be difficult to get a loan.

ZJ, your friend mustn't have used a very efficient solicitor if they didn't discover outstanding water rates – I wouldb be putting the obligation back on the solicitor that he was negligent in not carrying out due diligence in the settlement of the property.

I'm not sure of the state which you are referring however 'building work' over a set amount (generally quite small ie $1000) must be undertaken by a licensed contractor. If the house was a good deal, I would have pushed the issue and had DOH undertake the repairs to 'my' satisfaction ie the condition at the time of purchase rather than recind the contract or accept a discount if the extent of the damage was greater than the quote provided.

AL, there is no obligation on you to accept a 'burden'/'affectation' to your property. Be as nice as you like in knocking back their offer. It is far cheaper for them to build the line in your property than to cause damage on their own property. Why haven't they just put it through their own site?

If fall is a propblem, their only option will be to install a pump-out system.

The problem with getting a loan in AUD for a US loan is currency fluctuations – as farmers saw in the 1980s, many loans were financed offshore without the disclosure of the effect a weakening of the dollar. It sent many people broke. Borrowing in the us for a us loan will reduce the currency risk as you are paying & recieving USD.

http://www.yipmag.com.au/articles/1848/default.aspx

A well located property wil appreciate regardless of whether or not it has 'land' attached. You are still governed by body corporate ie you can't do anything outside ie extend/add an extra room or flyscreens/burglar bars without approval.
If it well located, it is easier to rent – having an additional level is seen by some as a disadvantage as you have internal stairs as opposed to a single level unit (even though it may be on the second storey).