Are you approaching retirement and pondering how to fund your future lifestyle? If so, the idea of selling your home and downsizing might be on your mind. You’re not alone as many retirees are seeking smaller, lower maintenance and more affordable living options. At Riverbend, we believe that moving into a retirement community offers not just lifestyle perks but also significant financial advantages. Here, we’ll explore the top 4 financial benefits of choosing a land lease community for your retirement.
One of the standout financial benefits of a lifestyle community is the simplified and cost effective process of purchasing your new home. Unlike traditional home purchases, where you buy both the house and the land, in a land-lease community, you only buy the home and lease the land it sits on. This arrangement drastically reduces upfront costs.
A major financial relief comes from avoiding stamp duty fees, which can save you thousands of dollars. This saving leaves more money in your pocket, allowing you to invest in your retirement lifestyle. Additionally, many lifestyle communities offer shared equity options. This means you can share ownership of your home with the community, freeing up more of your capital for other retirement needs. It’s an ideal solution for those looking to maintain financial flexibility and security in their golden years.
Another significant financial benefit is the potential eligibility for rental assistance. If you’re receiving welfare payments like the Age Pension from Centrelink, you may qualify for fortnightly Rent Assistance payments from the government. This assistance can help offset the weekly fees for leasing your land, effectively reducing your living expenses.
This benefit can be essential for retirees on a fixed income, providing some much needed financial support. By leveraging government assistance, you can stretch your retirement savings further and enjoy a more comfortable lifestyle. It’s a practical and beneficial aspect of living in a retirement community that often goes overlooked but can make a substantial difference in your financial planning.
Living in a large house often means higher bills for rates, insurance, utilities and home maintenance. As an empty nester, these costs can be an unnecessary burden, while downsizing to a lifestyle community significantly reduces these expenses.
You also don’t have to worry about costly council rates and charges. Maintenance costs are generally lower, as the community takes care of many upkeep tasks. This reduction in expenses allows you to allocate more of your funds to enjoying your retirement. Lower maintenance costs mean fewer financial worries and more freedom to pursue hobbies, travel or simply relax and enjoy your new lifestyle.
When it comes time to move or sell your home, the process is much simpler in a lifestyle community compared to a traditional retirement village. One of the key financial benefits is the retention of capital gains. Since you own the home, any increase in its value over time is yours to keep.
Furthermore, many lifestyle communities do not charge expensive exit or deferred management fees. This is a stark contrast to many other retirement villages where such fees can significantly reduce your profits from the sale of your home. By avoiding these fees, you retain more of your money, providing greater financial flexibility for your future needs. This financial advantage can be crucial in maintaining your desired standard of living in retirement.
Without a doubt, downsizing to a lifestyle community offers numerous financial benefits that can enhance your retirement experience. From simplified home purchases and rental assistance to lower maintenance costs and retaining capital gains, the financial advantages are substantial, and at Riverbend, we’ve seen many residents achieve the financial freedom to live their retirement on their terms.
So if you’re considering downsizing, explore what Riverbend has to offer. Browse our range of homes for sale or get in touch with our friendly team today. We’re here to help you make the most of your retirement.