Large numbers of Baby Boomers in Australia are now reaching retirement age. While many have enjoyed decades of growth in the value of their homes—rising from an average of $60,000 in 1980 to approximately $900,000 in 2025—they now face a common financial dilemma: they are equity rich but cash poor .
Owning a home outright may seem ideal, but it often excludes retirees from accessing some or all of the Age Pension. Without regular employment income, retirees can struggle to cover everyday expenses, especially since traditional home loans require steady income to qualify. If you’re looking to downsize your home, now is the time to consider all available options to release equity and improve your retirement lifestyle.
Learn how the RealFuture process works.
Options for Accessing Cash in Retirement
Some ways retirees can access equity from their homes include:
- Borrowing money from family
- Taking out a reverse mortgage
- Joining a shared home equity/ownership scheme
- Downsizing your home
- Selling a holiday home or investment property
Unfortunately, each of these options comes with limitations. For instance, reverse mortgages are often accompanied by high interest rates and compound debt. Meanwhile, downsizing your home for retirement often means a rushed move into a new property that may not suit your long-term lifestyle or accessibility needs.
A Flexible Option: Long-Term Settlement
There’s a smarter way to unlock the equity in your home without having to move out straight away—a long-term settlement.
This alternative approach allows you to sell your home, receive a portion of the deposit upfront, and remain living in your current property for one to three years. This means you have the freedom and time to:
- Plan your next move carefully
- Pay down debts
- Use the deposit to secure your next home
- Transition into retirement without immediate upheaval
With a traditional sale, you’re often forced to settle within 30, 60, or 90 days. But with a long-term settlement, you’re in control of your timeline—making it one of the best ways to downsize your home while reducing stress and uncertainty.
If you’re looking to downsize your home but want to stay put while you plan your future, a long-term settlement could be the perfect fit. RealFuture offers a new approach that helps retirees unlock equity and stay home without the stress of an immediate move.
Visit www.realfuture.com.au to find out how this innovative approach to downsizing your home for retirement can help you take control of your next chapter with confidence and clarity.
