a no brainer IMO... pick the right location and you'll pick up a hundred k tax free and a brand new home. even easier if you are sitting on a decent kitty to do it with and don't have to stuff around with banks. I saw a great location the other day but it got snapped up quick... remember you...
having said that, my mortgage is the same as the rent would be and I get allthe other fruit that goes with it such as deflation of debt, CG with tax free treatment, ability to slowly improve etc. so in this circumstance it is a no brainer
there is a small cash saving to be made by renting, you just want to ensure you are fully exposed to the market when it goes for a run. Given the runaway growth in syd and mel and perths tendancy to follow those markets it wouldbe dangerous to be out of the market. but there is certainly strong...
just go onto stayz and compare rates. where is it tho? usually it's more for central areas and holiday locations. beware your local council regulations also!