Superannuation

Q&A: Can I Withdraw my Super for a House Deposit?

If you are thinking about getting into the housing market but struggling to find savings for a deposit, you might be able to tap into your super fund. You, unfortunately, can’t use all the money in your super fund; the First Home Super Saver Scheme will allow you to use an approved amount of your super fund to get you over the line with your first home purchase.

Mortgage-SMSF Mate

How do I withdraw my super for a deposit for my first home?

If you are a first home buyer, you can now use an eligible amount of your super savings for a house deposit. First introduced in 2017, the First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS) was introduced to help Australians get into the housing market. The scheme allows you to withdraw an amount of the voluntary super contributions you have made from the 1st of July 2017 onwards. 

You must be a first home buyer to be eligible, and if so, you can access up to $15,000 in super per year plus earnings, up to a maximum of $30,000 per person. Couples have up to a maximum of $60,000 voluntary contributions to use since 2017. 

The FHSSS provides first home buyers with the opportunity to get into the housing market when, otherwise, they might have found it challenging. Some may argue that the housing market has provided better returns than other investments historically, with higher gearing or leverage due to the borrowed amount. 

- The Accountant (semi-retired)

If you are a first home buyer, you can now use an eligible amount of your super savings for a house deposit. First introduced in 2017, the First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS) was introduced to help Australians get into the housing market. The scheme allows you to withdraw an amount of the voluntary super contributions you have made from the 1st of July 2017 onwards. 

- The Small Business Owner (early 60s)

The FHSSS provides first home buyers with the opportunity to get into the housing market when, otherwise, they might have found it challenging. Some may argue that the housing market has provided better returns than other investments historically, with higher gearing or leverage due to the borrowed amount. 

- The Thrill-seeker (late-20s)

How do I qualify for the First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS)?

While there are many benefits, it’s important to remember that the scheme is not for everyone and you have to tick a few boxes before you’re allowed to participate, which include the following:

  • You must be a first home buyer which means you can not have owned property in Australia previously, and this includes any investment properties.
  • You have to live in the property you are buying or intend to live in it as soon as possible.
  • You must expect to live in the property for a minimum of six months for the first twelve months that you own it.

- The Accountant (semi-retired)

Can I withdraw my super due to the effects of COVID-19?

The financial effects of COVID-19 have so far been significant and to combat these issues the federal government have announced a scheme which allows eligible Australians to access up to $20,000 from their super fund to help get them through the crisis.

The ATO has specified that you can get up to $10,000 from your super fund before the 1st of July 2020, and a further $10,000 between the 1st of July and 24th of September 2020 if you meet the following criteria:

  • You’re currently unemployed
  • Your employer made you redundant after the 1st of January 2020
  • You received a 20% or more reduction in your working hours
  • You are eligible to receive specific Centrelink allowances
  • If you are a sole trader and your business has been suspended or reduced by 20% or greater.

- The Marketing Executive (mid-30s)

How much deposit do I need to buy a property?

In most ordinary circumstances, you will need around a 20% deposit to get a mortgage on a property, and this means there is usually no requirement for lenders mortgage insurance. Some mortgage lenders will offer to work with you with a lower deposit amount; however, this comes at the cost of typically higher interest rates and lenders mortgage insurance. Given the nature of house prices in Australia, a 20% deposit might seem out of reach for most ordinary Australians, especially when that equates to around a $120,000 deposit using the current median house prices of all capital cities in Australia.

- The Small Business Owner (early 60s)

Will withdrawing my super for a home loan deposit help?

The early release scheme could present an opportunity to enter the property market sooner and build capital growth with money you otherwise wouldn’t have access to till retirement. Looking at it simply, $20,000 (potentially up to $40,000 for a couple) could go a long way towards a home deposit. If you’re a couple, $40,000 is almost a third of what you’d need for a 20% deposit on the median capital city property at the moment.

When you think about it, a couple could potentially withdraw up to $40,000 (if you are both eligible), which is a significant amount of money for your first home deposit. Historically speaking, investing in Australian property has been an excellent investment over the last 20 or so years. It has provided homeowners with remarkable capital growth and rental yields in most cases. However, it would be considered a very concentrated investment relative to the size of your super fund, which means all your eggs are essentially in one basket and very much tied to house price growth. If you are looking for a more diversified approach, then a balanced portfolio of shares, income securities and property could be a better approach. 

There are several factors to consider before you decide if accessing your super early to invest in the property market is right for you. Below we take a look at the key considerations so you can make an informed decision.

- The Accountant (semi-retired)

Is getting a foot in the door to the property market is important?

It’s commonly said that for most people, buying a property is the single most significant investment you will make and it’s considered a great way to save for your retirement. Given the nature of investing in your primary residence, you are forced to contribute a large portion of your income to paying off the property, when you might not have the same discipline to invest in shares the same way. Property is also a geared investment meaning your returns are leveraged to the amount you are allowed to borrow, which significantly enhances any capital gains or losses when investing in property.

- The Small Business Owner (early 60s)

Is investing in property is easier to understand?

While the logistics of buying a home can be complicated, like stamp duty, land tax and real estate agents fees, once you own the property, it is very easy for most people to understand. Buy the property, maintain the property and attempt to sell it for a higher value than what you paid for it at a later date. The tangible nature of property also has big appeal when compared to investing in shares or other paper investments.

- The Thrill-seeker (late-20s)

Can withdrawing super to purchase a property can be tax-effective?

One very attractive point about the scheme is that if you are eligible to withdraw your super to purchase a property, you will not need to pay tax on the amounts withdrawn which means a couple could withdraw up to $40,000 tax-free. It should be said that you have already paid the concessional tax rate of 15% on those super contributions, you are still going to be ahead when compared to your marginal tax rate when using post-tax dollars for a deposit.

- The Thrill-seeker (late-20s)

I heard property investments can act as a hedge against inflation?

Having a hedge against inflation means you are invested in an asset which is expected to either maintain or increase its value over time as the economy expands. Inflation refers to the cost of goods and services increasing over time due to supply and demand factors. Property investments are generally considered a hedge against inflation because rents and home values typically rise when the economy is expanding, and demand is increasing. Bonds or fixed-income investments would be the opposite of this theory as they usually suffer during times of inflation. 

- The Marketing Executive (mid-30s)

Is the First Home Super Saver Scheme good for everyone?

To be eligible to access the scheme, you must qualify due to financial hardship; meaning you are either unemployed or had a >20% reduction in your working hours since the start of the year. If you fit these categories, property investment might not be front of mind for obvious reasons. All applications for the scheme are assessed, and if you don’t meet the criteria, then you are likely to be rejected. If your claim is approved and you do not technically meet the criteria, then the ATO has indicated they will be coming to get you. Penalties for this offence range from having to pay the tax outstanding on the amount withdrawn to having to pay fines and penalties. 

- The Accountant (semi-retired)

I heard my mortgage might not be approved?

If you are experiencing financial difficulty, then getting approved for a mortgage is going to be a challenging process. Generally speaking, a mortgage lender will need to see evidence of a stable job and a decent income to service the debt. If your working hours have been reduced due to COVID-19, then your mortgage application is likely to be rejected. Accessing your super for a mortgage deposit is also expected to be frowned upon by the mortgage lender. This would indicate a lack of cash flow stability and general financial hardship which is the opposite of what they want to see.

- The Small Business Owner (early 60s)

Can early withdrawals from super can have a negative impact down the track?

Research shows that for an individual to retire comfortably, a single person will need around $550,000 in total superannuation savings, and a couple will need around $650,000, which is a significant amount of money. By withdrawing $20,000 now, it could be the difference of up to $100,000 at retirement, depending on your current age. Investors need to consider that your super investments may grow at a higher rate when compared to a property investment over the long term. 

- The Marketing Executive (mid-30s)

Below is some scenario modelling completed by Industry Super which shows the difference that $20,000 can make to your retirement savings over time. As you can see, it can really add up and should be an important consideration when you are thinking about accessing your super early. 

 

Current Age Super balance Super withdrawn Difference in retirement
25 $20,000 $20,000 $95,696
30 $40,000 $20,000 $79,393
35 $60,000 $20,000 $65,868
40 $79,000 $20,000 $54,647
45 $95,000 $20,000 $45,338
50 $109,000 $20,000 $37,614

 

Summing it all up

While withdrawing money from your super to use as a deposit for your first home might sound like a quick and easy way to raise funds, there are a number of factors which will likely work against you in your quest for homeownership. It’s important to consider all the points raised above and to seek professional financial advice before making such a serious decision. A financial professional will be able to establish if you are eligible to access your super early and highlight any other considerations which may impact your decision, and also ensure you do not incur any penalties for wrongdoing.

General Advice Warning

Gareth Lane

Concise Digital

Gareth Lane is a successful entrepreneur, businessman, and owner of the digital marketing and web agency Concise Digital, based out of Perth, Western Australia. Concise Digital have solved over 60,000 digital / web problems for clients since 2005. Gareth is one of the founders of SMSF Mate.

Gareth is passionate about helping small businesses be more successful online by avoiding the pitfalls of digital marketing. He regularly runs live talks, workshops and meetups discussing Google, social media and all things digital marketing.

Gareth studied Business and Commerce at Curtin University, and has held board positions for a number of organisations, including serving as the President of the Western Suburbs Business Association and as a non-executive member of WA Business Assist. A true entrepreneur at heart, he started his first business at 13 and has created and run multiple successful businesses since.

Gareth enjoys good food, great wine and time in the sun when he’s not at his computer helping other businesses get ahead!

You can find out more about Gareth or connect with him on Linkedin here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garethconcise/

Or visit his websites here: https://www.concise.digital/ or https://www.garethlane.com/

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Ashwin Ramdas

Eventum Consulting

Ashwin is an accountant and educator based in Perth, Western Australia. He is passionate about helping family owned businesses and startups. He is one of the founders of SMSF Mate and you’ll regularly see him on our podcast!

Ashwin is a managing owner and director of Eventum Consulting, a multidisciplinary firm helping clients with finance, succession planning and their tax needs. He also served as a lecturer in taxation and small business at the Central Institute of Technology, and has worked as an accountant at a number of well-known tax specialists.

Ashwin studied a Diploma of Business Education and a Bachelor of Commerce in Financial Accounting, Managerial Accounting and Corporate Finance, both at Curtin University, WA.

Ashwin is passionate about technology, and sees it as an enabler for his clients to grow truly sustainable and profitable businesses.

You can find out more about Ashwin or connect with him on Linkedin here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashwin-ramdas-72442919/

Or visit his website here: https://eventum.com.au

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Kind words from Aussies managing
their own self funded futures

  • SMSF Mate is a unique website because it has ideas about how to approach SMSFs, insurance and other financial topics that come straight from first hand experience. It's much more useful than what you find on all the other financial websites that just offer generic info that you could easily get on the ATO's website. It's also nice to know there's no financial incentive behind the information, it's legitimately there to help people understand self-managed super funds and how to get the most out of them, not to get an affiliate commission from a broker or other financial services provider. The investment product information is also incredibly useful, I've never seen this kind of functionality on any other website that let's you look at such a wide range of products, sort by what info is most interesting or important to you, and subscribe to updates for different funds and financial products all in one place. Definitely worth checking out if you own or are considering an SMSF!

    David G, Self-Employed, SMSF Owner
  • SMSF Mate provides a unique insight into superannuation and financial topics in a way that is easier to understand than conventional websites. The colloquial nature of the site makes it easy to understand and they often speak about complicated topics in lamens terms so I can wrap my head around them. The investment product information is a great way to research funds that I am interested in investing in with my SMSF and there is a lot of helpful information on the site for better structuring my investment portfolio. In comparison to other websites which offer similar information, SMSF Mate excels as the information is free to access whereas many other sites charge a subscription fee for the same thing. Overall, I think SMSF Mate is a great resource for SMSF trustees and is worth looking at for a variety of super-related topics. Thanks.

    Tim B, Business Owner, SMSF Trustee