zarth,

the example that you use.. relating the subprime to the interest rate.. can actually backfire on your offer here. (it's not smart to use the subprime as an example in this case)

1. the subprime issue is not just solely on interest rate.. it's way beyond that.

2. properties' prices have gone up tremendously in some markets, so if something like the USA can happen.. it can also happen here in Malaysia. this brings us to think.. why buy now?

3. interest rates going up or down can be a guessing game.. Pai forsee it going down, that's probably on the economic point of view. how about if inflation pushes things up so much.. that administering a higher interest rate is the only way to go? either way.. with the mess in USA and UK, it's hard to forsee..

"forsee" not on taking which loan package.. but the very act of purchasing a property right now, in the near term..

the insurance package that's associated with the housing loan (originated by insurance companies) are quite expensive, imho.. (they're definately not a simple "term insurance")

currently, the interest spread is not too wide to justify a switch.. but to say that "Historicals can show that Interest rates in on the uptrend in the long run" is not true..

back in the pre-1997 crissis.. interest rates are double digit!! (today is half of that)..

here's a simple saying from someone.. "what goes up, will come down" (vice versa)..