Super opportunity for downsizers

After 1 July 2018, if you’re over 65 and sell your home, you can now put some of the money you receive into your super.

How does it work?

You can use the money from the sale of your house to make a ‘downsizer contribution’ to super of up to $300,000 or $600,000 for a couple.

Who is eligible?

You are eligible to take advantage of this scheme if you are aged 65 or over.

Unlike the non-concessional contributions, the good news is that you don’t need to be working and there are no age limits to making downsizer contributions. Also, the total super balance test of $1.6 million and the $100,000 non-concessional contributions cap restrictions don’t apply which makes it a great option if you want to contribute more to super and are currently ineligible because of these restrictions.

If you are considering selling your property and are interested in contributing to your super you should hold off selling until after 1 July 2018 as a property sold before this date is ineligible.

What types of properties are included?

The property must be located in Australia. It does not need to be your current home — it can be your, or your partner’s, former home as long as you or your partner have owned it for more than 10 years and lived in it at some point in your life. An investment property that neither of you have lived in is not eligible. But, the property does not need to be owned by both members of a couple for both of you to make a contribution of up to $300,000 to your super. Unfortunately, the sale proceeds from a houseboat, caravan or mobile home cannot be used.

For Tom and Hazel it’s time to downsize their $700,000 home to a smaller $500,000 home. After 1 July 2018, for the first time, they have the opportunity to boost their super with the remaining $200,000.

Note: If your family home is currently exempt from the Centrelink assets test and you sell it and put the money into super — your age pension entitlement could be affected.

For more information please contact us

Take the next step

To discuss your financial situation, make an appointment with a Bridges financial planner.

We have an established alliance with Bridges, to provide our customers with financial advice.

Bridges has been helping Australians with financial advice for 30 years. A Bridges financial planner will develop a plan specifically for you; one that’s tailored to your needs and circumstances to help you achieve your goals.

To make an appointment with a Bridges financial planner please contact us

The initial consultation is complimentary and obligation free.

Bridges Financial Services Pty Ltd (Bridges). ABN 60 003 474 977. ASX Participant. AFSL 240837. Part of the IOOF group

This is general advice only and has been prepared without taking into account your particular objectives, financial situation and needs. Before making an investment decision based on this information, you should assess your own circumstances or consult a financial planner or a registered tax agent. Examples are illustrative only. In referring customers to Bridges, Laboratories Credit Union Ltd does not accept responsibility for any acts, omissions or advice of Bridges and its authorised representatives.