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Is it time to let go of the family home? Downsizing explained

Is now the right time to downsize?

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About this episode

In this episode, Drew Meredith and James O’Reilly explore the reality of selling the family home in retirement. They walk through what it means emotionally, how it works practically, and the financial considerations that often get missed — including stamp duty, commissions, and unexpected renovation savings.

They also explain the downsizer contribution, a powerful super strategy that allows eligible Australians over 55 to contribute up to $300,000 each from the sale of their home into super, without breaching the usual caps.

From empty nests and rising stairs to lifestyle change and income planning, this is a must-listen for any retiree or pre-retiree thinking about their next move.

Topics covered today

  1. How downsizing actually works — and what it could mean for your lifestyle

  2. Why some retirees are upsizing instead (and what that means financially)

  3. Emotional and social factors — are you ready to leave your community?

  4. Should you renovate instead? What market conditions mean for timing your sale

  5. The downsizer super contribution: up to $300k per person, how it works, and the eligibility rules

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