Downsizing in retirement · Pakenham
Downsizing? Let's get it right the first time.
Should you move, what it means for your pension, a granny flat with the kids, or leaving the land you love — these are big decisions. We think them through with you, so you move with confidence rather than second thoughts.
Sound familiar?
The questions before you make the move
Downsizing is as much an emotional decision as a financial one. These are the worries we hear most.
“Should we even downsize?”
Is it the right move — and is now the right time, or is it worth waiting? We help you see it clearly.
“What will it do to my pension?”
Your home doesn't count for the Age Pension — but money left over after the move can. We look before you leap.
“We're asset rich, cash poor”
Especially on acreage: how to free up money and stay self-sufficient, with Centrelink support through the transition.
“The kids want a granny flat”
Moving in with family can be lovely — but the money, the rights and the Centrelink side need setting up properly.
“It's our family home”
Decades of memories live in these walls. We move at your pace and never rush the emotional side.
“Where do we even start?”
The costs, the timing, the order things need to happen in. We help you see it clearly, so you've got a plan to follow.
What we do
How we help you downsize well
Work out if it's right
An honest look at whether downsizing suits you — now, later, or perhaps not at all.
Protect your pension
We show how selling and buying again could affect your entitlement before you commit — and keep Centrelink correctly updated throughout.
Make the most of the proceeds
There are special rules that may let you put some of the sale proceeds to work in super. We'll check if they fit.
Granny flat arrangements
We help you weigh up moving in with family, and give you what you need to set the arrangement up properly with your solicitor.
Free up money on the land
For those leaving acreage: a plan to release value and stay self-sufficient, with Centrelink support through the move.
Invest what's left over
Once you've settled into your new place, we put any leftover proceeds to work — for income designed to last.
How we work
Simple, and at your pace
A no-obligation chat
A phone chat to understand your plans and what matters to you. We'll quote any fees up front, so there are no surprises.
We map out the plan
If it's the right step, we set out the plan — in plain english, in writing — including the pension impact and the best order to do things in.
We guide you the whole way
We liaise with Centrelink as your situation changes, invest any money left over once you've moved, and keep your plan on track.
Good questions
Downsizing in retirement: FAQs
Will downsizing affect my Age Pension?
It can. Your home isn't counted, but money left over after buying your next place can be — so how much you reinvest, and the timing, both matter. We model it with you before you act.
Can I put some of the proceeds into super?
Possibly. There are special rules that may let eligible people contribute some of the sale proceeds to super. We'll check whether they apply to your situation.
What about a granny flat with the kids?
It can be a wonderful option, but the financial and Centrelink side needs to be set up properly. We help you weigh it up, and give you what you need to brief your solicitor.
We're on acreage and asset rich but cash poor. Can you help?
Yes — it's a situation we see a lot locally. We help you free up money and stay self-sufficient, with Centrelink support through the transition.
Do we have to decide now?
No. Sometimes the right answer is “not yet”. We'll lay out the trade-offs and let you move at your own pace.
Is this financial advice?
This page is general information only. Personal advice for your specific circumstances is provided separately and in writing.
Thinking about making the move?
Book a complimentary, no-obligation 15-minute phone chat. We'll talk through your plans, what it could mean for your pension, and how we can help — and we'll quote any fees up front, so you know exactly where you stand. (It's general information, not personal advice.)
Book your chatOr call us on (03) 5941 5955 · Mon–Thu, 8:30am–5:00pm
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Outstanding support and guidance
Mary from Plan4Wealth went above and beyond to help me understand exactly what I should be doing and why. She explained everything clearly and made the entire process easy to follow. I truly felt supported and informed every step of the way. Highly recommend Mary at Plan4Wealth to anyone looking for trusted financial guidance!
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