Should I build or buy an exisiting ?

[KitKat]

I am looking to move into a new place sometime this year or maybe next, but I can't decide on whether to buy a house off plan, or to buy an existing one.

What are the pros and cons of either way?

[Carl Taylor]

what are your long term goals?

is this a place you plan to live in for many many years?

or something to make money on?

[KitKat]

We plan on living in it for about 3-4 years then renting it out as an investment property.

I have been speaking to a few people, and they say if this is the case then it may be better to buy an off plan type place as you can get discounts on stamp duty, and when you go to rent the house there are depreciations we can take into account on the property.

Does anyone know much about this at all?