Making downsizer contributions into super

If you’re over 55 and looking to boost your retirement savings, you may be eligible to make a super contribution of up to $300,000 from the sale proceeds of your primary residence.

On 1 January 2023, the age when eligible Australians qualify to make downsizer contributions was reduced from 60 to 55. For those who qualify, it can be an opportunity to top up your super balance to capture potential tax-exempt future investment returns when you turn 60 and may be eligible to commence a retirement phase income stream.

So, if you’re considering selling your home and using downsizer contributions, here’s what you’ll need to know.

Benefits of making a downsizer contribution

• Super balance boost

  Downsizer contributions can provide a tax-effective way to boost your super balance, especially if you haven’t had the chance to save enough funds for retirement.

• Tax-free investment earnings

  The earnings generated from your downsizer contribution can provide you with a tax-free source of income, assuming you have met the age requirements to move from the accumulation phase, to drawdown retirement phase.

• No work test requirement

  No work test or upper age limits apply to downsizer contributions, providing the flexibility to take advantage of the downsizer contribution at any time.

• Concessional and non-concessional caps don’t apply

  Downsizer contributions aren’t limited by regular concessional and non-concessional contribution caps. That means you can direct up to $300,000 beyond any funds already in your super.

• There is no requirement to buy a new home

  If you sell your main residence and make a downsizer contribution to your super, you’re not required to buy a new home with the money you might make on the sale.

• Both partners can benefit

  For couples, both partners can participate in downsizer contributions, where up to $600,000 of sale proceeds may be invested into super.

• No total super balance contribution restrictions

  Downsizer contributions aren’t subject to the total super balance limit which restricts non-concessional contributions. This means if your balance is already above the limit, you can still make a contribution.

Rules and other considerations to be aware of

It’s important to note that while downsizer contributions are exempt from regular contribution caps, the funds will contribute towards your total super balance amount. They are also subject to the transfer balance cap (TBC).

The TBC applies when funds are moved from your super account into a retirement pension, where income generated from investments has a 0% tax rate. This amount is currently capped at $1.7 million (but is increasing on 1 July 2023 – more on this below), and any amount above, including from the downsizer contribution, will still be taxed at the accumulation rate of 15%.

Additional considerations include:

• You must be aged 55 or over to make a downsizer contribution.

• The sold property must have been the primary place of residence at some point in time and have been owned by you for at least 10 years.

• The sold property must be in Australia and excludes caravans, mobile homes, and houseboats.

• A downsizer contribution must be made within 90 days of receiving the sale proceeds.

• A downsizer contribution form must be submitted to your super fund before or when making your contribution.

• You can’t have previously made a downsizer contribution to super.

• The maximum amount of super savings that can be transferred into a retirement pension increased to $1.7 million on 1 July 2022 and is set to increase again to $1.9 million on 1 July 2023. For some individuals however, there may be no change at all to the total amount you can transfer.

• Downsizing your home may impact your age pension eligibility as the family home is generally not considered an assessable asset when calculating entitlements.

• The costs involved in selling a property and buying another one can be considerable.

• Downsizer contributions are not tax-deductible super contributions.

Where to go for more information

Depending on your personal circumstances, various other rules may apply, so it’s important to speak with an adviser before making any significant decisions.

Source: AMP