Flat buying

Sorry for such a long time since my last posting. Work has been very busy (in a satisfying way), and also, I am buying a flat!! That's right, I am getting on the much touted "property ladder" (I really hate that phrase, implying that property is some sort of risk free investment that will always go up faster than inflation).

I'm viewing the investment as a hedge. I'll always need somewhere to live - by locking in a 7 year fixed rate mortgage, I'm locking in how much I'll have to pay for that ability. I would be nice if the value went up, but that's not really why I am buying the place.

Anyway, all of this has sucked up all of my time. I'll try to put some more details and pictures from Australia up on the weekend.