- Federal Government Initiative
Downsizing your home to boost superannuation
The Downsizer Super Contribution Scheme helps Australians 55+ contribute up to $600,000 from a home sale tax-free, directly into super.
Growing in Popularity
More Australians Are Using the Scheme
Sources: HESTA, ATO, Accountants Daily
What Is the Downsizer Super Contribution Scheme?
The Downsizer Super Contribution Scheme is part of the Australian Government’s superannuation framework. It allows eligible Australians aged 55 and over to contribute up to $300,000 each (or $600,000 per couple) from the proceeds of selling their home into superannuation.
These contributions are designed to help boost retirement savings after downsizing a property, without impacting your normal contribution caps.
Eligibility Requirements
Your home must have been your principal residence and owned for at least 10 years prior to sale.
Key Features
Up to $300,000
Per person contribution limit
$600,000 for Couples
Combined contribution potential
Outside Cap Limits
Doesn't count towards normal caps
Step-by-Step Process
How the Scheme Works
A straightforward process to boost your retirement savings
1
Sell Your Home
Sell your principal residence that you’ve owned for at least 10 years.
2
Choose Contribution
Decide how much of the sale proceeds to contribute — up to $300,000 each.
3
Notify Super Fund
Complete the ATO forms to make a contribution into your super account.
4
Grow Your Savings
Your funds remain invested and continue to grow, improving retirement income.
Benefits of the Scheme
- Boost retirement balances without using standard contribution cap
- Use home equity that might otherwise sit unused
- Can be combined with other super strategies
- Helps free up larger family homes for younger buyers
- Potential tax-effective way to strengthen retirement savings
Used strategically, the scheme can be a powerful way to improve retirement savings — particularly when combined with broader planning around income, tax, and government benefits.
Quick Comparison
Standard Concessional Cap
$30,000/year
Standard Non-Concessional Cap
$120,000/year
Downsizer Contribution
$300,000
* Downsizer contributions are separate from normal caps
Downsizer Planning Tool
How iDownsize Helps
Understanding the scheme is one thing. Planning and implementing your actual downsizing journey is another. This is where iDownsize plays a practical role.
Downsizing Calculator
Instant Financial Clarity
Calculate how much equity you can release by selling your home. Find out how much you’ll have left over after buying another property for the Downsizer Super Contribution scheme.
- Estimated sale proceeds after costs
- Potential super contribution amounts
- Run unlimited calculations
- Lifestyle affordability scenarios
Pathways
Scenario Modelling
Visualise and structure your downsizing journey with clear stages and decision points.
- Clear step-by-step stages
- Where the scheme fits in
- Key decision points highlighted
- Move at your own pace
Provider Network
Trusted Professionals
Connect with qualified financial advisers (and other professionals such as lawyers and agents) who are experienced with downsizers.
- Pre-vetted professionals
- Ask questions anonymously
- Compare proposals
- Control when to connect
Bringing It All Together
Calculator
Understand the financials
Pathways
Model different scenarios
Provider Network
Get professional advice
Rather than pushing you toward any particular transaction, the platform is designed to help you decide well.
- Each person's financial situation is unique.
- Moves into super may affect Age Pension eligibility because super is counted in Centrelink tests, unlike your home once sold.
- A qualified financial planner or tax specialist is recommended to help you understand the full implications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Any Australian aged 55 or older who sells their principal residence that has been owned for at least 10 years prior to sale. Both members of a couple can each make contributions from the same sale.
You can contribute up to $300,000 per person, or $600,000 for a couple, from the proceeds of selling your eligible home. The contribution must be made within 90 days of receiving the proceeds or settlement, whichever is earlier.
No — downsizer contributions are separate from your standard concessional ($30,000) and non-concessional ($120,000) contribution caps. They can be made regardless of your current super balance.
Potentially yes. While your principal home is generally exempt from Centrelink's assets test, money moved into superannuation is counted. This could affect your Age Pension eligibility, so it's important to seek professional advice.
No — the downsizer contribution can only be made once per person, from the sale of one property. You cannot make additional downsizer contributions from future property sales
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Important Reminder
iDownsize helps you plan, explore, and connect — but it does not replace personalised advice.
Financial Disclaimer
The information provided through iDownsize, including calculators, pathways, and content, is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, taxation, or investment advice. iDownsize is not a financial adviser or tax agent. You should always seek independent advice from a licensed financial adviser or tax professional before making decisions involving superannuation, tax, or retirement income.