4 ways to ride the downsizing wave

• Smaller in size (such as having a more manageable yard) than the current home
• Easy to access and to move around in, and preferably with only one level
• A lifestyle improvement, particularly in terms of good entertaining areas
• Close to shops, health services and public transport
• Located in an area which is desired by the downsizers, often close to where they currently live
• Something which delivers financial savings, as a result of discharging a mortgage or collecting capital gain
• Alongside likeable neighbours

One big tip here – don’t forget the strong motivation of people to be near neighbours you like. If you’ve been living next door to the same neighbours for decades, it’s a scary thought to become a stranger in a new neighbourhood. As such, finding out about friendly neighbours, streets and communities will be warmly welcomed.

2. Know the state-by-state downsizing incentives

Different states have different incentives which could be used by downsizers, primarily through stamp duty rebates or concessions.

While, unfortunately, NSW is not much help in this regard, the Australian Capital Territory, South Australia and Northern Territory all have incentives; it pays to know them.

3. Know the national incentives for downsizing

It’s worth knowing that the Australian government will introduce superannuation-based downsizing incentives next year.

From July 2018, the government will make it easier for over 65s to contribute up to $300,000 from selling the family home into their personal superannuation fund. This $300,000 contribution will be exempt from the existing age and work tests for people aged over 65.

This would mean, for instance, that someone aged over 75, who is currently not allowed to make voluntary superannuation contributions, will now be able to do this when selling the family home.

Similarly, currently if you are aged 65 to 74, you must have worked for at least 40 hours over 30 consecutive days in the financial year to be allowed to make a voluntary contribution. Next year, that rule will also not apply for contributions from the proceeds of the family home.

This incentive is likely to encourage many self-funded retirees to downsize.

4. Know the barriers to downsizing

As much as the above change is great help, it doesn’t overcome two other unfortunate financial barriers to downsizing.

The first of these barriers is if stamp duty that needs to be paid on a new home (subject to the state by state incentives mentioned above). However, it’s worth noting that stamp duty does not apply to many of the “over 50s” lifestyle villages and retirement villages which are attractive to downsizers.

The second is the potential that excess money collected from the sale of the family home could impact on pension access.

Many investors may still receive a huge capital gain from downsizing and may be willing to make the move.

About the downsizing market

Statistics show that over the past two years, the number of listings have fallen across the country despite our surging population and increased housing construction. Across Australia, hundreds of thousands of people are unhappy about the fact they are living in large family homes.

Typically, these people are aged over 50 and are weary of the ongoing maintenance and repairs these homes require. (Like, who really enjoys mowing the lawn?)

At the same time, the homes these over 50s occupy are typically among the most expensive in neighbourhoods, because they have a large land and house size.

In NSW alone, there are estimated to be more than 500,000 homes occupied by an elderly single or couple, with two empty bedrooms. Across Australia, there are estimated to be anywhere from 4 million to 7 million empty bedrooms in homes.

A June 2017 survey by Downsizing and LJ Hooker found that around a third of over 50s were looking to move from the family home to a more suitable and well-located accommodation – in other words downsize.