Zman to answer your questions:
Bond repayment depends on your rank at joining:
Capt/Fo - Repayment starts from day 1
So/ Fast Track So - Repayment starts from final line check
Housing
Yes you can get much better with the money outside, but they will not let you take the money now. You will have to put your name on the waiting list to leave company accom/ I think the waiting time is around 1yr at the moment but not 100% sure