From 1 July 2018, people aged 65 and over will be able to sell their main residence and then make a ‘downsizer’ contribution into superannuation of up to $300,000 from the sale proceeds of their main residence.

Both members of a couple can take advantage of this measure, allowing a total amount of $600,000 to be contributed to superannuation per couple.

This new rule trumps other current rules which prevent many over-65s from making contributions to superannuation (such as the work test, the age 75 limit, and the $1.6 million balance test).

Why is this a good initiative for these people?

Because being allowed to contribute this money into superannuation means it can be invested and then earn income with little or no tax liability.

For example, if $600,000 was invested inside superannuation and earned, say, 5% p.a., that $30,000 income would be tax free for most people aged 65+ (assuming their finances were correctly set up).

Some points to be aware of:

• This rule only applies to principal places of residence that have been held for at least 10 years.

• The contribution must be made within 90 days of change of ownership and the superfund trustee must be notified it is a downsizer contribution at the time it is made.

• Although termed ‘downsizer’ contributions, there is no requirement to purchase a new residence.

• If your ‘total superannuation balance’ is above $1.3 million, it might be useful to make other planned contributions to superannuation prior to making a downsizer contribution.  This is because, unlike other contributions, a downsizer contribution is allowed even if it results in an excess i.e. above $1.6 million.

• For some people, there may be significant Centrelink and Aged Care implications – both positive and negative - in regards to the downsizer strategy, and we strongly recommend that these people seek professional financial advice.