Your home in retirement

When you’re planning for retirement, consider what kind of home you can afford and what suits your level of independence.

Think about whether you want to stay where you are, downsize, or move to a retirement home.



If you own your home

Staying in your home

If you plan to stay in your own home, you may need to make changes to help you stay independent. For example, bathroom upgrades or replacing steps with ramps. Plan ahead so that you can afford to make these changes when you need to.

Think about whether you’re going to need help with daily chores, such as cleaning and shopping. The government provides services such as the  Commonwealth Home Support Programme. Although subsidised, you will need to contribute to the cost if you can afford to.

If you’re thinking about  using your home equity  to help fund your retirement, get financial advice or speak to us first. It’s complex and your decision could affect your partner, family and anyone you live with.

Downsizing

If your home is going to need costly improvements, you may be considering downsizing. Your home may also be too far away from services or transport that will be important as you get older. Or it may simply be too big.

Downsizing is also a way to free up cash for your retirement. But it does come with costs. Think about:

• the cost of buying and selling in the same market
• stamp duty
• furniture removal
• legal fees
• estate agent fees

Selling your home may also have an impact on your  Age Pension and government benefits.

Choosing to downsize is a big decision. Your new property may be the one you’ll live in for the rest of your life. Make sure it suits your retirement lifestyle, budget and level of independence.

If you rent your home

If you rent your home, think about whether you’ll be able to afford it when you retire. Rent is a big ongoing expense and you may have less income than you have now.

If you find the private rental market too expensive, there are lower rent options. Church and community organisations sometimes offer cheaper rooms or units for retirees who do not own their home. There’s an assets test to qualify.

If you receive a Centrelink payment, you might be eligible for  Rent Assistance.

For advice about staying in your rented home, contact your state or territory tenants union:

• Australia Capital Territory —  Tenants’ Union ACT
• New South Wales —  Tenants NSW
• Northern Territory —  Darwin Community Legal Service Tenants’ Advice Service
• Queensland —  Tenants Queensland
• South Australia —  RentRight SA
• Tasmania —  Tenants’ Union of Tasmania
• Victoria —  Tenants Victoria
• Western Australia —  Tenancy WA

If you need to move into residential care

Government subsidised aged care

For information about residential care options and costs, see  Aged care.

Private retirement homes

There are many privately run retirement homes offering independent, semi-supported and flexible living arrangements. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has information about  types and costs of retirement homes.

Before you sign up, check all the fees and charges, and how they may increase over time.

Smart Tip

If you’re buying a unit in a retirement village, get advice from a solicitor. Make sure they have experience with retirement village contracts and the Retirement Village Code of Practice.

Source: Reproduced with the permission of ASIC’s MoneySmart Team. This article was originally published at https://moneysmart.gov.au/living-in-retirement/your-home-in-retirement
Important note: This provides general information and hasn’t taken your circumstances into account. It’s important to consider your particular circumstances before deciding what’s right for you. Although the information is from sources considered reliable, we do not guarantee that it is accurate or complete. You should not rely upon it and should seek qualified advice before making any investment decision. Except where liability under any statute cannot be excluded, we do not accept any liability (whether under contract, tort or otherwise) for any resulting loss or damage of the reader or any other person. Past performance is not a reliable guide to future returns.
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