As Australians approach their golden years, many start to consider their living arrangements and whether their current home still suits their needs and lifestyle.
One option that is gaining popularity among retirees is downsizing – selling the family home and moving into a smaller, more manageable property.
While the idea of leaving a cherished family home filled with memories can be emotional, downsizing offers a range of compelling benefits for Australian retirees, especially with recent changes introduced by the Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Incentivising Pensioners to Downsize) Bill 2022.
Financial Freedom
One of the primary advantages of downsizing is the potential to free up significant funds for retirement. By selling a larger, more expensive family home and purchasing a smaller, more affordable property, retirees can unlock the equity they have built up over decades of mortgage payments.
This extra cash can provide a valuable boost to retirement savings and income.
According to Caring Co, older Australians who downsize can release an average of $287,000 in equity. These funds can be used to top-up superannuation, invest for additional income, travel, or simply enjoy a more comfortable lifestyle.
The Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment Bill, passed in November 2022, introduces additional incentives for pensioners looking to downsize.
Starting from January 1, 2023, pensioners who sell their homes to secure a new principal residence will enjoy an extended asset test exemption period of up to 24 months, with a possible additional 12-month exemption based on individual circumstances.
This means that the sale proceeds intended for the new home will not be considered assets in the calculation of pension entitlements for a substantial period, allowing pensioners to downsize without worrying about a reduction in their pension.
In addition to the lump sum generated from selling, downsizing can also reduce ongoing living expenses. A smaller home typically means lower utility bills, maintenance costs, property taxes and insurance premiums.
Funding Aged Care and Home Care Services
Another reason for retirees to consider downsizing is the potential to fund aged care services. As Australians live longer, many will require some form of assisted living or care in their later years.
By selling the family home and moving to a smaller, more affordable property, retirees can free up equity to put towards a Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD) for a residential aged care facility, or to pay for home care services that allow them to age in place.
This can provide peace of mind, knowing that funds are available to cover care needs without placing a financial burden on family members.
Easier Maintenance and Accessibility
As we age, the physical demands of maintaining a large family home can become increasingly challenging.
Cleaning multiple bathrooms, navigating stairs, and keeping up with repairs and yard work can be taxing. Downsizing to a smaller, single-story home or apartment greatly reduces ongoing maintenance.
Many retirement communities and villages also offer exterior maintenance as part of the package, completely eliminating chores like mowing the lawn, cleaning gutters and painting.
This leaves more time and energy for retirees to pursue hobbies, socialize and travel – the things they want to be doing in retirement.
Accessibility is another consideration. A home with a well thought out layout and senior friendly additions becomes increasingly important as mobility and health needs develop.
Many properties designed for retirees include features like wide doorways for walkers or wheelchairs, grab bars in bathrooms, no-step entries and emergency call systems.
Lifestyle and Social Connection
Beyond the financial and practical benefits, downsizing can significantly enhance a retiree’s quality of life. Moving to a retirement village or lifestyle community brings opportunities for social engagement and pursuing new interests.
Many retirement communities offer extensive amenities like fitness centers, pools, art studios, walking trails, libraries and clubhouses. Regular social events, interest groups and outings foster a sense of belonging and community among residents.
Downsizing can also mean moving closer to family, healthcare services, or a suburb that better suits retirement interests. Rather than being tied to a location that made sense during working years, retirees can prioritize their own needs and preferences.
Example Scenario: Maxine’s Retirement Dream
Meet Maxine, a 68-year-old pensioner who has lived in her family home for over three decades. Maxine is ready to downsize after retirement and move to a smaller, more manageable property closer to amenities and medical facilities.
With the new incentives introduced by the Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment Bill, Maxine can take her time to find the perfect property that suits her requirements without worrying about her pension entitlements being affected during the exemption period.
This allows her to make a well-informed decision and utilize the sale proceeds wisely to enhance her retirement lifestyle.
As Maxine releases capital through downsizing, she can boost her financial security and quality of life. The funds from selling her larger home enable Maxine to invest in other areas, travel to destinations she’s always dreamed of, and provide financial support to her children and grandchildren, all without adversely impacting her pension payments.
Additionally, Maxine is mindful that she may require aged care services in the future. By downsizing now, she is able to set aside a portion of the sale proceeds to pay for a RAD or home care services should the need arise, providing her with greater peace of mind and financial security in her later years.
Considerations Before Downsizing
While the benefits are significant, there are important factors for Australians to weigh before downsizing:
- The financial implications, including fees like stamp duty, legal fees and moving expenses.
- The emotional challenge of parting with possessions and leaving a home filled with family history. Beginning the downsizing process early and involving family can help ease this transition.
- The type of housing that will best support their needs now and in the future, whether that’s an apartment,retirement village, residential aged care home or alternative arrangement.
In the end, every Australian’s retirement situation is unique. By carefully evaluating priorities and thoroughly researching options, retirees can determine if downsizing is the right choice for them.
With the added incentives provided by the Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment Bill, more pensioners may find that the financial freedom and lifestyle advantages make downsizing an appealing path to a more fulfilling retirement, while also providing a means to fund potential aged care needs.
