Your home in retirement

If you own your home

Staying in your home

If you plan to stay in your own home, you may need to make changes to help you stay independent. For example, bathroom upgrades or replacing steps with ramps. Plan ahead so that you can afford to make these changes when you need to.

Think about whether you're going to need help with daily chores, such as cleaning and shopping. The government provides services such as the Commonwealth Home Support Programme. Although subsidised, you will need to contribute to the cost if you can afford to.

If you're thinking about using your home equity to help fund your retirement, get financial advice first. It's complex and your decision could affect your partner, family and anyone you live with.

Downsizing

If your home is going to need costly improvements, you may be considering downsizing. Your home may also be too far away from services or transport that will be important as you get older. Or it may simply be too big.

Downsizing is also a way to free up cash for your retirement. But it does come with costs. Think about:

• the cost of buying and selling in the same market
• stamp duty
• furniture removal
• legal fees
• estate agent fees

Selling your home may also have an impact on your Age Pension and government benefits.

Choosing to downsize is a big decision. Your new property may be the one you'll live in for the rest of your life. Make sure it suits your retirement lifestyle, budget and level of independence.

Read more about downsizing in retirement.

If you rent your home

If you rent your home, think about whether you'll be able to afford it when you retire. Rent is a big ongoing expense and you may have less income than you have now.

If you find the private rental market too expensive, there are lower rent options. Church and community organisations sometimes offer cheaper rooms or units for retirees who do not own their home. There's an assets test to qualify.

If you receive a Centrelink payment, you might be eligible for Rent Assistance.

For advice about staying in your rented home, contact your state or territory tenants union:

• Australia Capital Territory — Tenants’ Advice Service ACT
• New South Wales — Tenants NSW
• Northern Territory — Darwin Community Legal Service Tenants' Advice Service
• Queensland — Tenants Queensland
• South Australia — RentRight SA
• Tasmania — Tenants’ Union of Tasmania
• Victoria — Tenants Victoria
• Western Australia — Tenancy WA

If you need to move into residential care

Government subsidised aged care

For information about residential care options and costs, see Aged care.

Private retirement homes

There are many privately run retirement homes offering independent, semi-supported and flexible living arrangements. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has information about types and costs of retirement homes.

Before you sign up, check all the fees and charges, and how they may increase over time.