The research findings noted Australians predominantly over 60 are choosing to continue to work later in life to meet the rising costs of living and gain confidence in their finances in times of economic and investment uncertainty.

Downsizing.com.au highlights the number of Australians aged 60 to 64 who are still working has increased from 218,000 in December 2011 to 868,000 people in December 2021.

Further, if the workforce and population changes recorded over the last decade are replicated in the next decade, Downsizing.com.au notes this is expected to increase to 5.2 million working over-50s by 2031, including some 1.17 million Australians aged over 65.

Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) labour force figures for the month of December 2021 showcased nearly four million Australians over 50 are currently working.

Australia has no definitive retirement age meaning those wanting to continue to work can do so until they are comfortable with their financial position.

See Also: The struggle of getting a mortgage as a middle-aged divorcee

Traditionally, retirement generally means downsizing – which is based on couples retiring from the workforce and family duties, and then being able to sell their unencumbered home and move to more age-appropriate housing or retirement living.

Last week the Senate passed superannuation legislation, lowering the age threshold for the super downsizer scheme from 65 to 60, which is set to help superannuation members near retirement move to accommodation more suitable.

Retirement living operators are now catering for working over 50s by providing facilities such as study nooks, multi-purpose rooms and communal workplace facilities, according to Downsizing.

The study also notes vernacular is changing, with many companies describing retirement villages as 'downsizer friendly', 'third age living', or 'lifestyle housing'.

Downsizing.com.au CEO Amanda Graham said irrespective of the fact they are still working or holding a mortgage, many Australians over 50 are still likely to be keen to move into age-appropriate housing.

"There is however a need to recognise that, in coming years and decades, more over 50s housing communities are likely to include a blend of both working and retired people," Ms Graham said.

"In addition, the huge increase in average mortgage levels for people over 55 means that there needs to be a greater focus on products which allow people to move these mortgages across into what was traditionally retirement housing."

Legislation not keeping up with reality

Downsizing.com.au notes despite the increasing number of working older Australians, some states' legislation precludes full-time workers from living in retirement villages.

The retirement village legislative schemes for South Australia and Tasmania both define retirement villages as places predominantly occupied by people who are over the age of 55 and are not working full-time.

This approach differs to retirement village definitions in New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, Northern Territory, Victoria, and Western Australia which don’t exclude full-time workers.

Queensland has no specific definition of a retiree but does allow retirement communities to make age-based occupation rules.

"In the future, we expect the focus of over 50s communities will be more about lifestyle than retirement," Ms Graham said.

"It is likely that statutory definitions which don’t embrace working people in retirement housing will over time and through pressure, be amended."


Looking to take control of your retirement? This table below features SMSF loans with some of the most competitive interest rates on the market.

Update resultsUpdate
LenderHome LoanInterest Rate Comparison Rate* Monthly Repayment Repayment type Rate Type Offset Redraw Ongoing Fees Upfront Fees LVR Lump Sum Repayment Additional Repayments Split Loan Option TagsFeaturesLinkCompare
6.99% p.a.
7.00% p.a.
$2,659
Principal & Interest
Variable
$0
$230
70%
Featured
  • Available for Purchase and Refinance. No application fee and no settlement fee
  • No monthly, annual or ongoing fees
  • Access your SMSF loan via our easy-to-use online app Smart Money
6.99% p.a.
7.10% p.a.
$2,659
Principal & Interest
Variable
$0
$1,170
70%
7.24% p.a.
7.25% p.a.
$2,726
Principal & Interest
Variable
$0
$0
70%
7.25% p.a.
7.65% p.a.
$2,729
Principal & Interest
Variable
$30
$1,190
80%
7.39% p.a.
7.47% p.a.
$2,767
Principal & Interest
Variable
$0
$995
80%
7.55% p.a.
7.94% p.a.
$2,811
Principal & Interest
Variable
$395
$1,920
80%
7.49% p.a.
7.50% p.a.
$2,794
Principal & Interest
Variable
$0
$230
80%
Featured
  • Available for Purchase and Refinance
  • No application fee and no settlement fee
  • No monthly, annual or ongoing fees
Important Information and Comparison Rate Warning

Base criteria of: a $400,000 loan amount, variable, fixed, principal and interest (P&I) home loans with an LVR (loan-to-value) ratio of at least 80%. However, the ‘Compare Home Loans’ table allows for calculations to be made on variables as selected and input by the user. Some products will be marked as promoted, featured or sponsored and may appear prominently in the tables regardless of their attributes. All products will list the LVR with the product and rate which are clearly published on the product provider’s website. Monthly repayments, once the base criteria are altered by the user, will be based on the selected products’ advertised rates and determined by the loan amount, repayment type, loan term and LVR as input by the user/you. *The Comparison rate is based on a $150,000 loan over 25 years. Warning: this comparison rate is true only for this example and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate. Rates correct as of . View disclaimer.


Image by Qimono via Pixabay





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