[quentin]

Hey Orlando,
Welcome to the forum RMJB, and eventually welcome to New Zealand

That?s a fair few questions, and you will find plenty on all of those topics as you trawl through this site.

As for your first question it is fairly much a matter of personal taste and situation, there are advantages both ways. Personally I prefer to own my house than rent, it gives me control and prevents me from needing to move unless I chose to. That said personally we are renting at the moment since we aren't planning on being here more than 3 years and in the current market it is unlikely that a property which we buy now is likely to increase in value enough to cover the costs of purchasing and disposal.

In terms of which mortgage, I would split between the majority fixed and a small portion revolving credit. Keeps your interest rate low, but keeps you with some flexibility, again though it depends on your circumstances.

Cheers