Pwinne,
I am pretty sure you can move out of your Principle Place of Residence (PPoR) for up to 6 years and still retain the PPoR status on your house - as long as you don't buy another house and use that as your PPoR. But like you said, see an accountant. I think you may be able to claim interest and maintenance costs - but pay tax if it isn't negativley geared.
