An Age Old Property Dilemma Solved by the Superannuation Downsizer Contribution Scheme
This article explores how the "Superannuation Downsizer Contribution Scheme" can assist a retired couple to deal with the common issue of needing to sell their current home before being able to purchase their next home.
The Dilemma... Christopher and Lyn are a retired couple in their seventies and are looking to sell their family home and buy a property by the coast. They've found a house that they like, but their current house hasn't sold. They have money in their super fund which they could withdraw to pay for the property, but they've worked hard over the years to build up their super assets and this is where they'd like to keep their wealth as they know that superannuation is the most tax effective environment for their retirement savings.
"People over 65 who have retired haven't previously been able to make contributions to their super fund; but now they can thanks to the Superannuation Downsizer Contribution Scheme."
How Does It Work?
From 1 July 2018, people aged 65 and over can make a contribution of up to $300,000 from the proceeds of selling what was once their main residence (family home).
This is very favourable as generally a person over 65 can't make contributions to superannuation unless they meet a "work-test" and even then they are limited to only $100,000 per year until age 75 when they can no longer contribute at all.
The key features of the downsizer contribution scheme are as follows:
Dilemma solved ... Christopher and Lyn can withdraw the money they need from their super fund to purchase the house by the coast and then when the family home does sell the proceeds can be returned back into the superannuation environment using the "Downsizer Contribution Scheme".
Other Points:
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