Hi Longroad. Can't help with stats, but was talking about it with family that live there this week, and concensus was 'nothing much has happenede there price wisw for a few years…' That said, they have been affected by drought, and water restrictions, but I feel property is undervalued compared to other similar siza regional centres, and in the pricepoint you mention, as long as you avoided any suss areas I would think it hard to go wrong. WOudl certainly appear room for growth. Why not do some more research and let us know. All the best.

  It's not – you are being ripped off on this one , unless the tradesman used gold fittings. Aas far as getting involved in any other comments I'll pass however. One observation though – I think using an agent that has or has access to a 'handyman' is good, as other than stuff requiring a license it can save you heaps.

Hi Passi. One of the good things with the ING deal (make sure you double check) is that on the fixed loans you can make up to 10k per annum extra repayments wihtout penalty. Not sure with these others, but while it would not worry me on an IP, I don't think I would like 5 years of fixed interest loan on an owner occupied at min repayments only. Never seen much point in an offset bank acount (especially if you are paying extra via the interest rate) with your first owner occupied home, unless you either plan on making it an investment property down the track, or will expect to have a lot of money sitting around unused – in which case redrawing from the loan works fine – as long as it is 'free'. I can certainly appreciate in the current economic climate, when shopping for a fixed rate, wanting a good one. THe loans you mention will save you over a grand a year on a 300K property in interest – but as mentioned, make sure they are flexible enough for you.

Hi Nigel, and welcome to the forum. That knocks the wind out of your sails when that happens thats for sure. Sitting down with a capable finance broker may unearth a lender that assesses you slightly differently – enough to make a difference. Ask around where you are locally and see if anyone is recommended to you by other professionals. If you are still out marginally on your actual income, a lo doc loan (or no doc) which some lenders even do for PAYG (ie non abn holders) up to 70% lvr may be suitable as long as you can declare that you will have sufficient income through whatever means in the coming financial year to meet your obligations – strangely enough that would still likely be a better rate than your LOC.
There are other options too if these are not suitable. All the best.

NSW is a sow of a place to buy property (compared to our other states IMHO) unless you have your finance pre approved, and are 'ready to go' with inspections etc. Most people get their inspections done in the cooling of period after signing the contracts – which of course you can be gazumped anytime until contracts have exchanged. If you are not happy with the reports, and pull out, you will forfeit your deposit too unless you go about it the right way – many get the inspections done prior ti signing, but then risk doing that dough if someone offers higher meanwhile. It is your perogative on whether to waive the colling off period or not – don't get bullied. I'm no expert here though, so I would suggest discussing with your NSW solicitor, whom I would  be iinclined to use more than a conveyencor in this type of situation. all the best.

Rich mum (i like it   )
it seems many lenders now have annual or monthly fees, whereas once the big thing was for 'no fees' . Generally it comes under the guise of so-called 'pro-packs', which essentially means you pay an annual fee, in exchange for a reduced or discounted interest rate. You would really need to do the sums to see which loan style and from which lender is more suitable for you. Loan size will make a difference (ie the savings of a 0.5 % interest discount on $100k loan is $500 p.a – but four times that on a $400k loan, and both would have the same fee if you get my drift. The other thing to watch out for is whether or not there are higher exit fees in exchange for a lower rate. Not any drama at all if hanging onto the property for 3 or more years, but if planning on selling you could be up for a fair early payout charge, negasting any interest savings meanwhile. Not sure about the charges you mention though – seems a bit excessive. Also bear inmind, you don't need to use the same lender next time, and it if you are plannign to expand your property portfolio, it is much better where you can to keep your properties seperate, (with the same lender or not) rather than all bundled in together as security on the one loan/portfolio.(
All the best.

Where? The large net profit figure just announced via the asx, or the new branches opening each month and continued broker channel growth?

Hi. Some lenders structure the loan in a way that keeps LMI to a mininum which always helps. However there is a big jump in LMi premiums once you hit the magic 300k price point. So If you other property was slightly under or only slighlty over the 300k that may be part explanation for you.

Each to their own, but I must admit to being absolutely blown away by some of the interest rate negativity. The media has a lot to answer for thats for sure. Seriously, rates now are around what they were 5 years or so ago, and back then people were still buying houses for PPOR and for investment. In fact, most are now enjoying the benefits of having done so. Things need to be put in perspective – regardless of the interest rates, over extending your self is asking for it – but from an investment perspective, it depends on your attitude to risk, your buying ability. and understanding that 'nothing ventured – nothing gained….'
I could add more, but will leave it at that for now……

You will probably find a 'Line of credit' type loan for this, is the most sutiable, as many lenders allow interest to be capitalised up to the credit limit before requiring any payments at all, and then interest only. However some don't so check.  Obviously if you are funding the property this way initially this will be no good, as you will have no funds 'left in' the loan facility unless you have it against another property or have put in a large deposit. However without more details I am speculating other than suggesting the loan type.. All the best.