Many people get confused when it comes to buying a house with superfunds. However, if you are among those who are searching for the answer to whether they can use super for buying their home in Australia, then you must read this blog to get an answer to your question. It is possible to buy a home using superannuation. However, there are a few things that you need to consider to understand before doing this
Can You Use Your Super to Buy a Home?
While it might not be as simple as getting your super and purchasing your home. However, by accessing the government’s First Home Super Saver scheme (FHSSS)or using a self-managed super fund (SMSF), it’s possible to buy a home. Australians who set up a self-managed super fund (SMSF) are able to make a decision about where their super is invested, and it can include investment properties, but not a place where they can live. Furthermore, using the FHSS scheme, first-home buyers can withdraw super for house deposit, through voluntary contributions, inside their super account
Buy an Investment Property Using an SMSF
Under SMSF rules, Australians are allowed to use their super to buy an investment property but they are not allowed to live in it. The property can be bought using SMSF, which is a fund having members between one and four. The members can decide how their super is invested. Make sure to get professional financial help to understand the duties and set up the fund correctly.
Can I Use My Super for a House Deposit 2023?
You may be able to use your super for a house deposit if:
- You are 18 years of age or above
- You’ve never purchased a property anywhere in Australia before, including an investment property
- You’ve used your super before for a first home deposit
- You are about to live in a home you purchase for at least 6 months of the first 12 months you buy it.
Use a First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS) to Purchase a House
You might be asking ‘Can I withdraw my super to buy a house’, right? Well, it could be the best way to make contributions to your super fund and then withdraw them along with related earnings to use as a deposit for your first home. You need to be eligible for this scheme and there is a limit that how much you are allowed to contribute to the deposit. You are allowed to contribute:
- In a financial year, you can contribute up to $15,000 and
- Across all years, the maximum amount can be $50,000
Super saver account contributions are typically taxed at a lower rate than other kinds of savings. Additionally, super account earnings are typically taxed at a lower rate, which can add up to significant long-term tax savings. Savings can be used to increase your deposit, especially if you have been having trouble coming up with enough cash for a down payment. This may allow you to enter the property more quickly.
Buying a House with Super: Who is Eligible?
Basically, there are three types of home buyers who can use super for property purchases:
- First Home Buyers
Under the First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS) of the Federal Government, first-time homebuyers can access their retirement funds. The FHSSS programme, on the other hand, is intended for first-time homebuyers who will only make voluntary, personal superannuation contributions (and not employer contributions). Pre-tax or post-tax voluntary contributions of up to $30,000 may be used as the down payment for your first home. The maximum amount a super member may withdraw from voluntary payments will rise to $50,000 per person as of July 1, 2022.
- Property Investor
- 65+ or Preservation Age
Investors can use SMSF funds to buy an investment property, but it’s only for retirement income according to ATO. Guidelines are strict, so clarify before proceeding.
You can use your super to buy a house only if you’re a first home buyer, in a Self Managed Super Fund, or have full access to your superannuation. Full access is granted at 65 or when you reach the preservation age determined by the ATO based on your birthdate.
Conclusion
The blog outlines whether you can use your super to buy a house along with eligible candidates that can use their super for home purchases. Moreover, you can speak to reliable brokers at Home Star Home loans to know how you can buy a home using your super.
