Key Documents
In the 2017-18 Budget, the Government announced a package to reduce pressure on housing affordability, including through establishing a First Home Super Saver Scheme, and by allowing a special 'downsizing' contribution into superannuation.
The draft legislation for the First Home Super Saver Scheme would allow individuals to save for their first home inside superannuation. Under the scheme, first home savers who make voluntary contributions into the superannuation system would be able to withdraw those contributions, and an amount of associated earnings, for the purposes of purchasing their first homes. Concessional tax treatment would apply to amounts withdrawn under the Scheme.
The draft legislation for the downsizing measure would allow individuals aged 65 years or over to make non-concessional contributions of up to $300,000 from the proceeds of selling their main residences to their superannuation accounts. Downsizer contributions will be able to be made regardless of the other contribution caps and restrictions that might apply to making voluntary contributions. This measure would apply to proceeds from contracts for the sale of a main residence entered into (exchanged) on or after 1 July 2018.