[alfiedotwtf]

As an Australian, fascinating! I would guess that Tue majority of home loans here are variable.

Another question - with a normal fixed interest loan for 30 years, does that normally include paying off the principal? I.e after the 30 years, the loan is paid off?

Here, fixed interest usually don't pay down the loan whereas a variable loan pays down 100% of the principal after the 30 years

[Jacqued]

Yes you do pay down the principal. Non-amortized mortgage loans might exist but if they do they're definitely marginal.