It is possible, but you will need funds to complete (obviously!) so you could arange the settlement of the purchase after the sale, or cross collateralise (messy) or maybe just get a 100% loan for the next. It will be messy and costly just to increase a loan for a few weeks before paying it out.

Cales post covered most of what the banks look at. These days they often have automated systems, esp for credit card and personal loan apps, where they have points to various thing such as:
– number of enquiries in last 12 months
– number of address
– last known employer matching current
etc

Its a good idea to try to keep the number of enquiries to a minimum so you don't look like you are desparately shopping for a loan.

I think it would be a good idea to look at using some of that lazy equity to invest in various areas such as shares, and maybe even more property. You have an overall low LVR so you are in a safer position than most people and you have lots of potential to generate more money for your family.

Millions, yes you may have to pay CGT when transfering a share between spouses. There may also be stamp duty, though in some states, like VIC, this may be waived.

Tax deductions have to relate to your earning capacity. If you only have one or two properties, then you probably aren't in the business of investing and probably couldn't justify spending $10,000 pa on a course which relates to your making a loss of $xx per year. I would like to say you could claim it, but don't think you can – unless maybe you have a job in the industry at the moment.

And just remember that a business name is just a name, not an entity. So if you just register a name with fair trading, it is the same as buying it yourself – it is your name that will go on title.

You should be looking into setting up a trust, usually a discretionary trust. With trusts, the property will be purchase in the name of the trustee, which can be an individual or a company – or both. The trustee is the legal owner, but it is the beneficiaries who are the beneficial owners. This creates many advantages including tax reduction and asset protection.

And don't forget with a company you will only pay 30% tax, but with a individual (or evena  trust) you may be able to cap the CGT at 24% when the 50% CGT discount is taken into account.

I personally know John Vincent of John Vincent Accountants (wonder where he got that business name from?). I think he is in Castle Hill.

ANd then there is Mike at Bella Vista, near there somewhere?? http://www.guardianpartners.com.au

And don;t forget if your offer is accepted, you may have a contract formed.

In an ideal world your LOC would increase in line with the value of the house, but that is not how it works. You will need one loan, and then wait for the value to increase. Then you can apply for a separate loan, or a split. This can be a LOC or standard IO loan, but would be separate to the other for tax reasons. As the proeprty value increases further, you can then apply again for an increase. More fees, usually, each time as well as serviceability checks etc.

Have a look at recent Law Central Newsletters, back about 6 months ago, http://www.lawcentral.com.au. I don't think things are as bad as these people are making out.

Maybe they are just trying to scare their 'clients' into making unnecessary changes to earn more fees. Are these people who set up the trust solicitors or accountants?