Yes the deposit locks in the base price and upgrades at the time of deposit. Anything during appointment which can be months away is subject to price increase. I got lucky even though there was 2 price increase between my deposit and appointment. My SC was good and I worked with her to figure out all my potential upgrades during Preliminary Contract to lock in price eg upgrades door width/height, appliance, tapware, garage door and opener, render, stair, heater, free standing bath, drain, cabinetry, and sink all in the PC. I found out about the price increase when I removed an item at Contract signing stage but added it back in at appointment. When I complained, pricing dept agreed to honour the price at preliminary contract.
My advise is to plan ahead and add all your big upgrades at preliminary contract. Visit the M-Studio and see what's available. I know it's overwhelming at the beginning but will save heaps. It's easier to remove during Contract and appointment (cos you know the price) then to get a panic attack looking at variations from appointment. Plus having the price in preliminary contract will mean you know how much home loan to get. It's a hassle to do a variation on home loan with your bank.
NabeelC | Metricon Merricks 38 | Queensland
http://forum.homeone.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=86276
I did this - everything that I could possibly want as upgrades was in the preliminary contract. I then used that price to shop around to compare against getting things post handover, and take my time to consider if it was good value or not.
My final price was actually lower than my preliminary contract!