Well we've picked a builder - Dales. We're at the stage of negotiating on the list of inclusions.
We've gotten a bit personal about it all, so we're spending a lot more than we originally planned, but probably about right for the area.
Build, including site works is looking like it will come in just over 400k. Major additional costs over base price (270k) are bifolds, workshop, bigger living, bigger alfresco, overhead kitchen cabinets, stone benches, higher ceilings, split level (to accommodate slightly sloping block).
I'm going to love the house, but it very well might max us out and stall our investing for a while. I'm still on the hunt for a good local mortgage broker.
We've also decided to look for a rental asap so we can sign a 12 month lease. Figured we could rent our current place out fully furnished on short leases (or holiday accommodation) until the build is ready to go.
We've got our second bub on the way (due early Dec) and I suspect moving sooner rather than later will be easier. And I'm not sure how easier it will be to find a rental close buy with two big dogs! Ahhh, I'm not looking forward to being a tenant again!