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Superannuation is one of the important pillars of savings in retirement for most Australians. After years of working and contributing to your super fund, retirement is when you are finally able to access it. Whether retirement is just around the corner or still a few years away, it’s worth understanding your options. In this article, we’ll walk you through your options on what do with your super when you retire, how is it taxed and what happens if there’s any left when you pass away. When can you access your super? You can usually access your super when you reach your preservation age (currently age 60) and retire. Alternatively, you can start accessing it once you turn 65, even if you’re still working. There are other special circumstances where you might be able to access it earlier, like severe financial hardship or permanent disability but generally speaking, retirement is the key trigger. Your options once you have access to your super Once you retire and meet a condition of release, your super becomes accessible for you to withdraw but that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to withdraw and use all of it. You’ve got a few main options and you may prefer a combination of these: Leave it in your super fund (Accumulation phase)  Yes, you can actually choose to leave your super where it is, in its accumulation phase even after you retire. If you don’t need to access the money straight away, you can leave your super invested in the fund’s accumulation account. Your money can keep growing (taxed at 15% on earnings) and you can access it when you’re ready. So, while this may suit short-term plans, it may usually not be the most tax effective option when compared to other options like starting a superannuation pension in retirement, which is often tax free and funded with money from your superannuation savings. Take a lump sum  Where access to funds is required, you may prefer withdrawing a lump sum from super. This can help you in various ways like paying off a mortgage, clearing credit cards or personal loan debt, covering medical costs, funding travel expenses or investing elsewhere (e.g. property, shares outside of super). However, this decision should be carefully considered as withdrawing a lump sum or lump sums can reduce how long your super lasts. It’s also worth considering how that money will be managed outside super, as it may be subject to different tax treatment or may impact any Centrelink entitlements like the Age Pension. Start a superannuation pension (account-based income stream) An account-based pension lets you convert your accumulated super into a regular income stream. However, once an income stream is started with a set balance, you cannot add more monies to the ongoing account-based pension unless the pension is commuted and restarted again. If you need access to your superannuation savings, starting an income stream is a popular option which can be tax effective. Where access to the super savings is required, an income stream can be a good option because: You can receive regular and flexible payments (monthly, quarterly, etc). You can choose how much to set as regular income for your pension payment (subject to government set minimum limits). Earnings are tax free once you’re in pension phase. Payments can be adjusted as your needs change. You keep control over your investment strategy. You can still withdraw lump sums if needed but many people like the idea of a steady income, much like a salary. However, consider that the ongoing income payments can reduce your account balance over time. Can a lifetime annuity help?  One of the biggest concerns for retirees is running out of money. If you want income for life, no matter how long you live, lifetime income streams such as a lifetime annuity can help you achieve that. Unlike an account-based pension (which relies on how long your money lasts), a lifetime annuity is more like an insurance product. You invest a lump sum from your super and in return, receive a regular income for the rest of your life. Some retirees consider using a combination of a pension and an annuity – the pension provides flexibility and the annuity can provide peace of mind. However, lifetime annuities are designed to be held for life. Although there may be flexibility to access a lump sum if needed, there may be break cost considerations. Can I combine these options? Absolutely and many retirees choose to do so. You might prefer to consider: Leaving some of your super invested in accumulation phase. Taking a lump sum to pay off debts. Starting a super pension to draw regular income. Using part of your super to start a lifetime annuity. The right mix will depend on your lifestyle, goals, health, family situation and other sources of income, including the Age Pension. There are many more options we have not discussed. The Age Pension and Super: How they can work together The Age Pension is a government payment designed to help eligible Australians in retirement. As of 2025, you can apply for the Age Pension from age 67. There are also concessions and benefits that come with it, such as reduced utility bills and medical costs, so it’s well worth checking your eligibility. Eligibility is also based on your means – your income and assets. Centrelink includes your super in the assets and income tests. However, the assessment can differ if your super is converted into an income stream like a lifetime annuity. Age Pension, combined with other sources of super based income like an account-based pension and/or a lifetime annuity, can help make your money last longer. It acts as a safety net if your super runs down over time. This can be a powerful way to stretch your retirement savings further.     How is my super taxed when I retire? The earnings on your super are usually taxed at a maximum rate of 15% whilst the super remains in accumulation phase. … Read more

Receiving an inheritance may be a once in a lifetime financial opportunity that also coincides with a very difficult, emotional time in your life. Whether you inherit $10,000 or $100,000, your age, life stage, risk appetite and financial preparedness are likely to play a key role in decisions about how and where to invest. Many Australians are likely to be left some form of inheritance, most likely from a parent, at some point in their life, with 81% of retirees currently expecting to leave wealth behind. The average amount Australians expect to inherit is $184,000, according to research commissioned by Colonial First State*. And while one in two Australians consider up to $10,000 a sizeable amount with which to start investing, the research shows the average amount most Australians consider to be a sizeable investment to own is more than $600,000. Investing an inheritance may help close that gap. Following are some general thought starters to consider by age, life stage and size of inheritance but please consult a financial adviser for advice relevant to your personal situation. Also consider your risk appetite. Generally, the more risk you’re willing to undertake, the higher the potential reward may be. However, higher returns come with a higher risk that the value of your investment may fall. In general, if you only have a short time frame to invest, lower risk investments could be a safer option as they’re less likely to fluctuate in value. What to do when you first receive an inheritance The first thing to do when you first receive an inheritance, particularly if it comes at an unexpected time, is to consider your options. That may mean putting it in a high interest savings account or a mortgage offset account while you decide what to do. Then consider your goals. Do you need to pay off debt? Are you looking to build long-term wealth? Pay off your home loan? Build a diversified investment portfolio? Or invest for the kids? Most people with a six figure amount to invest will consult a financial adviser, although it can also be cost effective to obtain one off financial advice for smaller amounts. Inheriting assets like shares or property, such as the family home, can also have different capital gains tax implications if you decide to sell, so getting tax advice may also be important. In your 20s In your twenties, it may be helpful to pay off any high interest debt or build an emergency fund to cover three to six months of living expenses. Otherwise, the earlier you invest, the more time your money has to grow and compound. $10,000 to invest: A growth oriented exchange traded fund (ETF) or managed fund may allow money to grow while offering flexibility to access it later if needed. A voluntary contribution to super, allocated to growth or high growth, can be a tax effective investment that compounds over the long term if you’re within the super contribution caps, or limits, although you generally can’t access it until you reach age 60 and have retired.     $100,000 to invest: Low touch investors might consider a diversified range of shares via set and forget growth ETFs and managed funds, such as a US shares themed ETF or a long-term growth managed fund. It may be worth consulting a financial adviser to start building a diversified growth portfolio of managed investments. In your 30s For many, the thirties are about getting into the housing market. $10,000 to invest: A high interest term deposit or savings account that offers some growth may be a good option over a short time frame. A voluntary contribution to super may allow you to save for your deposit faster using the First Home Super Saver scheme. The tax rate is generally 15% on earnings in super, while the amount of your contributions you can release to buy your first home increases in line with the shortfall interest charge rate (currently 6.78%). $100,000 to invest: Starting a family or looking to enjoy a little extra income? Dividend focused ETFs may help generate a passive income stream. If property investing is more your thing, you may have enough to invest in a growing regional market or a real estate investment trust (REIT). In your 40s At this point, many Australians who have a mortgage are looking to reduce it. $10,000 to invest: Those with a mortgage that’s more than 50% of the value of their home might consider paying it down or putting their inheritance in a mortgage offset account. If a mortgage is less than 50% of the value of the home, it may be worth considering shares as average share market returns most years can be higher than average mortgage interest rates – again, there are many low cost ETFs and managed funds available. Or consider making a one off voluntary concessional (pre tax) or non-concessional (after tax) contribution to your super and investing it in a long-term, high growth shares investment option, a gold or silver themed ETF or the growth focused managed fund of your choice. $100,000 to invest: Thinking about paying for the kids’ education? Investment bonds can be a good option to include in the mix as withdrawals are tax free after 10 years. Some investors may consider debt recycling by paying down the mortgage and then applying for a new loan to buy an investment property. Interest on the new loan is generally tax deductible so those interest payments can be offset against your income to reduce the amount of tax you pay. For those who can afford to invest the money outright, it may be worth building a diversified portfolio of ETFs or managed funds. Global and local shares have historically offered among the best returns. We can connect you with a financial adviser if you’d like help to invest. In your 50s After the age of 50, it’s often a good time to maximise pre tax and after tax super contributions to harness some of those tax advantages. $10,000 to invest: Have you reached your annual super contribution cap limits? You can contribute up to $30,000 a year in concessional contributions, which are generally … Read more

Your super and investment savings represent years of hard work for a secure future. Unfortunately, they can be a prime target for scammers, causing significant financial loss and emotional distress. Financial scams are on the rise and becoming more sophisticated, making them harder to detect. This article will help you recognise common types of super and investment scams, how to identify them and how to protect yourself and your loved ones. Super scams These scams usually involve individuals or companies pretending to be from a super fund or regulatory body seeking your personal information. They may claim they need it to update your super account or verify your identity. Or they could offer to help you access your super before you’re eligible to under law. They may claim that doing this can, for example, help you pay off debts or purchase a house. But accessing your super early can result in significant penalties. In addition, these scams may involve high fees or charges which can eat into your super savings. We recommend that: You never give out your personal information unless you’re sure it’s safe. You’re aware of the conditions of release to withdraw your super. Given the variety of scams out there, following these four steps can help prevent you falling victim. Stop If you receive a suspicious call, email or text, pause and assess. Genuine organisations never pressure you to act immediately or ask for your password via email. Reflect Be careful about sharing personal information online. Scammers piece together details from various sources to exploit or create accounts in your name. Always reflect. Protect Whether it’s personal or work, staying vigilant is crucial. When in doubt, reject contact, delete suspicious messages and avoid opening unknown links. Report If you receive a suspicious email, do not click on any links or attachments or provide any information. If you receive a suspicious email, you can report it to the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC). Amy’s story: a crypto cautionary tale Amy, intrigued by a cryptocurrency investment promising high returns using her super, fell victim to a scam that led to the loss of her savings and her involvement in criminal activity. Her story highlights the dangers of crypto scams. It will help you to recognise and avoid such fraudulent schemes and the potential consequences, including financial loss and legal repercussions that victims may face. Amy was contacted by a man named Michael via Facebook. He was promoting a cryptocurrency investment business promising amazing returns that didn’t require an initial deposit from her bank account but rather from her superannuation. A complex scheme Intrigued by this, Amy engaged in further conversation with Michael. He walked her through the steps of setting up a legitimate Self Managed Super Fund (SMSF), allowing Amy to take the funds she had invested with her existing super fund and place them into a bank account, which was then invested into a fake crypto wallet/fake investment website. As time went on, Amy would check her balance on what she believed was a genuine trading platform – it showed significant growth, her initial $30,000 deposit soaring to over $170,000. However, after hearing about instability in the crypto markets, Amy decided that it might be time to withdraw some of her profits. Amy contacted the crypto business, which advised that she would need to pay an upfront sum of $4,500 to cover taxes – funds that Amy didn’t have readily available. Amy reached out to Michael and explained that she wanted to withdraw some of her money from her crypto investment but couldn’t afford to pay the upfront lump sum tax. Michael explained if Amy agreed to open a number of bank accounts and handle some fund transfers on his behalf that would “help to grow the Australian business”, she would be able to earn a 5% commission on each amount transferred and accumulate enough money to pay the lump sum tax. Amy agreed to the arrangement and funds began being transferred into the bank accounts Amy had opened. Michael would call Amy and request her to “transfer $x into the crypto wallet, then purchase this specific crypto coin”. The crypto wallet would then be emptied by Michael/Crypto Investments. How did the scam work? Amy unknowingly fell for a crypto investment scam. Michael convinced her to open an SMSF, allowing her to access funds that were meant to be preserved until retirement. The fake crypto platform showed huge growth, giving Amy confidence in the investment and making her feel good about the nest egg she believed was growing. By quoting her high upfront costs to access the funds, Michael manipulated her into becoming an unwitting money mule, engaging in money laundering and helping the scammers deceive other unsuspecting people out of their funds. Unfortunately, Amy has not only lost her super but has also become involved in criminal activity. The matter is now with the police and Amy faces possible prosecution for money laundering offences.   Source: MLC

Deeming rates changed for the first time in five years in September, which will affect the income the government estimates retirees earn from their investments. At the same time, Age Pension payments and part Age Pension cut off limits have also increased. Deeming rates used to estimate the income Age Pension recipients receive from their financial investments increased from 20 September for the first time since being frozen during the COVID-19 pandemic. The increase means retirees will be deemed to receive more income than previously from the same amount of financial investments. Pension payments are reduced by 50 cents for every dollar of additional income. But while that will see Age Pension payments reduced for some, it may be offset for many by an increase in Age Pension entitlements. There has also been an increase in the part Age Pension cut off limit and in the income limit for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card – but once again, that change may be offset by the increase to the deeming rates. Many people mistakenly assume they’re not eligible, so it’s worth checking if you qualify under the new rules. Eligibility for the government Age Pension starts at age 67, though you can apply up to 13 weeks earlier. What are the new deeming rates and why do they matter? The deeming rate increased from 0.25% to 0.75% for the first $64,200 a single pensioner receives and the first $106,200 a couple receives. The higher deeming rate, which applies to the balance of any financial assets, increased by the same amount, from 2.25% to 2.75%. Age Pension payments increased in September 2025 Here are the maximum Age Pension payment rates that are in effect as of 20 September, paid fortnightly, along with their respective annual equivalents. Single payments rose by $29.70 per fortnight, while combined payments for couples increased by $22.40 per person. Maximum Age Pension payments from 20 September 2025 Payment Type Fortnightly* Annually* Previous fortnightly payment Previous annual payment Single $1,178.70 $30,646.20 $1,149.00 $29,874.00 Couple (each) $888.50 $23,101.00 $866.10 $22,518.60 Couple (combined) $1,777.00 $46,202.00 $1,732.20 $45,037.20 Department of Social Services Indexation Rates September 2025. *Includes basic rate plus maximum pension and energy supplements. Payments last increased in March 2025 and are likely to change again when they are next assessed in March 2026. Tip: Many people assume they’re not eligible for either a part or full Age Pension and therefore apply late or miss out on this and other government benefits. Age Pension income and assets test thresholds increase The government reviews the Age Pension income and assets test thresholds in July each year. The upper limits, also known as thresholds, increase in March and September each year in line with Age Pension payment increases. Whether you are eligible for the Age Pension depends on your age, residency and your income and assets. If your income and assets are below certain thresholds you may be eligible. When determining how much you’re entitled to receive under the income and assets tests, the test that results in the lower amount of Age Pension applies. Here are the income and assets test thresholds that apply as at 20 September, compared with previous thresholds. Assets test thresholds The lower assets test threshold determines the point where the full Age Pension starts to reduce, while the upper assets test thresholds determine what the cut off points are for the part Age Pension. If the value of your assets falls between the lower and upper assets test thresholds, your entitlement will be reduced. The higher your assessable assets, the lower the amount of Age Pension you are eligible to receive. Your family home is exempt from the assets test but your investments, household contents and motor vehicles may be included. Asset test thresholds from 20 September 2025 Payment type Full Age Pension limit Part Age Pension cut off Previous full Age Pension limit Previous part Age Pension cut off Single – homeowner $321,500 $714,500 $314,000 $697,000 Single – non-homeowner $579,500 $972,500 $566,000 $949,000 Couple (combined) – homeowner $481,500 $1,074,000 $470,000 $1,047,500 Couple (combined) – non-homeowner $739,500 $1,332,000 $722,000 $1,299,500 Source: Services Australia Age Pension Assets test thresholds Income test thresholds from 20 September 2025 The lower income test threshold determines the point where the full Age Pension starts to reduce, while the upper income test threshold determines what the cut off point is for the part Age Pension. Income includes things like payment for employment or self employment activities, rental income and a deemed rate of income from financial investments such as managed funds, super (if you are over the Age Pension age) or account-based pensions commenced after 1 January 2015. Income doesn’t include things like emergency relief payments. Income test thresholds from 20 September 2025 Payment type Full Age Pension limit Part Age Pension cut off Previous full Age Pension limit Previous part Age Pension cut off Single $218 per fortnight $2,575.40 per fortnight $212 per fortnight $2,510.00 per fortnight Couple (combined) $380 per fortnight $3,934.00 per fortnight $372 per fortnight $3,836.40 per fortnight Source: Services Australia Age Pension Income test thresholds If you have income between the lower and upper income test thresholds, your entitlement will reduce as your level of income rises. For example, the Age Pension payment for a single person earning more than $218 per fortnight will reduce by 50 cents for each dollar earned over $218. For a couple earning more than $380 per fortnight combined, the Age Pension payment for each person will reduce by 25 cents for each dollar earned over $380. Tip: The Work Bonus allows you to work and earn up to $300 per fortnight without affecting your Age Pension. If you don’t work, this amount accrues up to a maximum Work Bonus balance of $11,800. Commonwealth Seniors Health Card income limit increases From 20 September 2025, the income limit to qualify for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CHSC) will be: Single: $101,105 per annum (an increase of $2,080). Couple (combined): $161,768 per annum (an increase of $3,328). You must be Age Pension age … Read more

Global Trade tensions re-escalated in October, with the US responding to increased rare earth export controls from China with an additional 100% tariff alongside export controls on critical software. This led to the S&P500 experiencing its largest one day decline since Liberation Day in April, falling by -2.71% on October 10. Gold prices accelerated to fresh record highs amid global trade tensions, the continued US government shutdown and expectations of further Fed cuts. The yellow metal then pared gains in the second half of the month as trade tensions eased and investors took profit, with the spot gold price ending the month +3.7% higher at US$4,002.92/oz. By the end of the month, US President Donald Trump and China’s President, Xi Jinping met to discuss a potential deal, during which Trump reduced the fentanyl tariff on China by 10%, while China agreed to pause export controls on rare earths. Global equity indices continued to create fresh highs throughout the month amid robust corporate earnings and continued monetary policy easing from global central banks. The Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) World Index advanced +1.9%, with a strong contribution from US equities. The S&P500 added +2.3%, the Dow Jones gained +2.5% and the tech heavy NASDAQ rallied +4.7%. European equities also fared well, with the Stoxx600 gaining +2.5% on the month and the FTSE100 adding +1.9%. The global services Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) declined to 52.8 in September, from 53.4. The global manufacturing PMI ticked lower to 50.8, from 50.9. US The US federal government entered a shutdown on 1 October, resulting in delayed economic data prints and missed pay checks for furloughed employees. Treasury yields rallied on the risk off sentiment and as markets fully priced in a 25 basis points (bp) cut at the October Fed meeting. Nvidia became the first stock to reach a US$5tn market cap, amid a broader AI rally. Major US stock indices continued to reset record highs amid corporate quarterly earnings and increased AI related spending. NASDAQ +4.7%, DOW +2.5%, S&P500 +2.3%. Fed Chair, Jerome Powell indicated in a speech mid month that the Fed was on track to deliver a 25bp rate cut at its end of October meeting, despite the lack of economic data, as the economic outlook appeared unchanged since the Fed last met. Core Consumer Price Index (CPI) surprised to the downside in September, rising +0.23% month on month (MoM) vs consensus +0.3% MoM. At the end of the month the Fed delivered the widely expected 25bp rate cut, however Fed Chair Powell advised that a further rate cut in December was not a “foregone conclusion”. The market was fully priced in a 25bp cut in December, with Powell’s commentary sparking a repricing in the market. By the end of October, this had fallen to 67% priced in. The US Dollar Index (DXY) appreciated +2.1% during October amid the more cautious outlook towards future rate cuts from the Fed. Australia The ASX200 traded +0.4% higher in October, reaching a fresh high at 9,108.6. Annual General Meetings (AGMs) and a mixed bag of trading updates captured investor attention. The monthly household spending indicator slowed to +0.1% in August, below consensus expectations of +0.3%. The unemployment rate rose unexpectedly to 4.5%, from 4.3% in September, the highest level of unemployment since November 2021. This saw money markets begin to price in the likelihood of a rate cut in November. The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) Governor, Bullock provided hawkish commentary at an industry dinner, during which she advised that the labour market remained tight, with upside risks to the RBA’s expectations for Q3 trimmed mean CPI. The chance of a November cut was largely priced out again. Q3 CPI came in higher than expected, up +1.3% during the quarter, boosting the annual CPI increase from +2.1% to +3.1%. This caused markets to almost entirely price out the chance of a further rate cut in 2025. Interest rate sensitive stocks, including Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITS) and tech companies, sold off as the likelihood of further rate cuts diminished. The Aussie Dollar experienced a U-shaped month against the USD, ending October -1.0% lower. The AUD sold off on the unemployment print and then appreciated as the market began to price out the likelihood of imminent future rate cuts. New Zealand The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) delivered a unanimous 50bp rate cut in its October meeting to 2.5%. The market had priced a ~50% chance of a 50bp rate cut at this meeting. A further 25bp rate cut in November is almost fully priced in. Q3 CPI increased by +1.0%, slightly higher than market expectations for +0.9% and bringing yearly CPI to +3.0%, from +2.7%. Europe The FTSE100 and STOXX600 both reset their record highs during the month, advancing +3.9% and +2.5% respectively, tracking gains from its US peers. Eurozone inflation ticked higher in September in line with consensus, up to +2.2% year on year (YoY) from +2.0% YoY previously. European Union countries turned in their 2026 general government budgets to the EU Commission during October. Germany’s budget showed front loaded fiscal expenditure growth, with its general government deficit widening to 4.75% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2026 and 4.25% in 2027. Conversely, Italy’s budget saw a continuation of moderate fiscal conservatism. S&P downgraded France’s sovereign credit rating in an unscheduled decision, to A+ from AA-. The ratings agency highlighted risks to the French government (present or future) being able to see through fiscal consolidation. The European Central Bank kept rates on hold at 2% as widely expected, reiterating that the policy rate was in a “good place”. The Euro depreciated -1.7% against the USD during October, partially due to ongoing political uncertainty in France. The Euro closed the month at 1.1534 USD, its lowest point during the month. China Policymakers at the Fourth Plenum remained committed to the 2025 Objectives, which included modern industrial system and tech self sufficiency. Q3 GDP growth slowed to 4.8% YoY, slightly above market expectations for … Read more

Overview The total value of Australian residential real estate is now $11.8 trillion. National housing values are gaining momentum, rising 2.2% over the September quarter alone. Darwin markets are setting the pace for capital growth since the first interest rate cut in February, with suburbs like Wanguri and Durack (NT) soaring by 20.1%. Conversely, Sydney and Melbourne accounted for the majority of areas experiencing a dip in value since the rate cuts began. Australia’s property market has reached a new milestone, with the total value of residential real estate climbing to $11.8 trillion for the first time, increasing by $678 billion over the past 12 months, according to Cotality’s October Monthly Housing data. The milestone comes as momentum in national housing values continues to build, with dwelling values up 2.2% over the three months to September. This is the largest quarterly increase since the three months to May 2024 (2.2%). The annual growth trend also shifted higher for the fourth consecutive month, up from a low of 3.7% over the 2024-25 financial year, to 4.8% in the 12 months to September. This $11.8 trillion milestone is a clear testament to the resilience of Australia’s property market, where national dwelling values are now up 4.8% over the past year. There’s a clear building of momentum, with a 2.2% rise over the September quarter alone, the largest quarterly increase since May 2024. At the moment, there’s some uncertainty around the timing of another cash rate reduction and inflation impacting market momentum through to the end of the year. However, if the property market were to continue at its current rate of growth, it’s possible the combined market value could hit $12 trillion by the end of the year. Which market values have changed the most (or least) amid rate cuts so far? Largest and smallest change in suburb dwelling values between 28 February 2025 and 30 September 2025 Highest change – CAPITALS Source: Cotality Lowest change – CAPITALS Source: Cotality Highest change – REGIONALS Source: Cotality Lowest change – REGIONALS Source: Cotality Drilling down into the performance of individual suburbs reveals where the market has thrived most decisively since the first interest rate cut in February. This period, between the end of February and September 2025, highlights the markets responding strongest to lower borrowing costs and tight supply. Cotality’s analysis of suburb level dwelling values since February shows a clear trend: Darwin markets are setting the pace for capital growth. Suburbs like Wanguri and Durack (NT) both led the nation with outstanding growth of 20.1% in that time. This surge in Darwin suburbs reflects a powerful combination of relative affordability, extremely low levels of housing supply and a notable lift in investment activity. Conversely, Sydney and Melbourne accounted for the majority of areas experiencing a dip in value since the rate cuts began. The largest declines were concentrated in inner city, lifestyle suburbs, primarily those with high density unit stock. Milsons Point in Sydney saw the greatest fall at −7.1%, with Kirribilli close behind at −6.3%. This reflected market dynamics more broadly. Even though the suburb analysis is hyper local, the data highlights a broader trend of Darwin leading Australia’s capital growth trend. City home values are up 13.4% through the year to date. It’s a relatively affordable market and investors may be taking note of high yields and rapid value increases. Some of the top performing regional markets were also the most affordable, such as Boggabri in regional NSW and Rochester in regional Victoria, each dwelling market with a median below $400,000. With other capital city and major regional markets soaring in value over the past few years, it seems like buyers are targeting what is left of the affordable land and housing across the country as interest rates fall and rents reaccelerate. Other highlights include: The strongest quarterly pace of growth has rippled from the lower quartile of the market (2.4%) to the broad middle (2.5%). Nationally, the ‘middle’ of the market is dwellings valued between $648k and $1.2m. Outside of Darwin, where values rose 5.9% in the September quarter, the ‘midsized’ capitals continued to lead growth, with Perth home values up 4.0%, Brisbane up 3.5% and Adelaide up 2.5%. Cotality estimates 44,436 sales occurred nationally in September, taking the rolling 12 month count to 540,775. Annual sales were roughly in line with the number of sales this time last year. The amount of time it takes to sell a property by private treaty has increased year on year to 30 days nationally but results vary depending on the market. For example, the recent strength in the Darwin market has driven down selling times from 51 days in the September quarter last year to just 39 days. In Melbourne, selling times have fallen from 35 to 32 days year on year. The discounts offered by sellers are generally smaller than they were a year ago amid rising buyer activity and low stock levels. The vendor discounting rate shrank from 3.3% in the September quarter last year to 3.2% in the three months to September 2025. Total stock levels have moved subtly higher in the past four weeks, with just 122,173 properties observed for sale nationally over the four weeks to October 5. Since the start of spring, total listing levels have risen 2.7%. However, stock levels generally remain tight, sitting -19.3% below the historic five-year average for this time of year.   Source: Cotality

Overview The total value of Australian residential real estate is now $11.8 trillion. National housing values are gaining momentum, rising 2.2% over the September quarter alone. Darwin markets are setting the pace for capital growth since the first interest rate cut in February, with suburbs like Wanguri and Durack (NT) soaring by 20.1%. Conversely, Sydney and Melbourne accounted for the majority of areas experiencing a dip in value since the rate cuts began. Australia’s property market has reached a new milestone, with the total value of residential real estate climbing to $11.8 trillion for the first time, increasing by $678 billion over the past 12 months, according to Cotality’s October Monthly Housing data. The milestone comes as momentum in national housing values continues to build, with dwelling values up 2.2% over the three months to September. This is the largest quarterly increase since the three months to May 2024 (2.2%). The annual growth trend also shifted higher for the fourth consecutive month, up from a low of 3.7% over the 2024-25 financial year, to 4.8% in the 12 months to September. This $11.8 trillion milestone is a clear testament to the resilience of Australia’s property market, where national dwelling values are now up 4.8% over the past year. There’s a clear building of momentum, with a 2.2% rise over the September quarter alone, the largest quarterly increase since May 2024. At the moment, there’s some uncertainty around the timing of another cash rate reduction and inflation impacting market momentum through to the end of the year. However, if the property market were to continue at its current rate of growth, it’s possible the combined market value could hit $12 trillion by the end of the year. Which market values have changed the most (or least) amid rate cuts so far? Largest and smallest change in suburb dwelling values between 28 February 2025 and 30 September 2025 Highest change – CAPITALS Source: Cotality Lowest change – CAPITALS Source: Cotality Highest change – REGIONALS Source: Cotality Lowest change – REGIONALS Source: Cotality Drilling down into the performance of individual suburbs reveals where the market has thrived most decisively since the first interest rate cut in February. This period, between the end of February and September 2025, highlights the markets responding strongest to lower borrowing costs and tight supply. Cotality’s analysis of suburb level dwelling values since February shows a clear trend: Darwin markets are setting the pace for capital growth. Suburbs like Wanguri and Durack (NT) both led the nation with outstanding growth of 20.1% in that time. This surge in Darwin suburbs reflects a powerful combination of relative affordability, extremely low levels of housing supply and a notable lift in investment activity. Conversely, Sydney and Melbourne accounted for the majority of areas experiencing a dip in value since the rate cuts began. The largest declines were concentrated in inner city, lifestyle suburbs, primarily those with high density unit stock. Milsons Point in Sydney saw the greatest fall at −7.1%, with Kirribilli close behind at −6.3%. This reflected market dynamics more broadly. Even though the suburb analysis is hyper local, the data highlights a broader trend of Darwin leading Australia’s capital growth trend. City home values are up 13.4% through the year to date. It’s a relatively affordable market and investors may be taking note of high yields and rapid value increases. Some of the top performing regional markets were also the most affordable, such as Boggabri in regional NSW and Rochester in regional Victoria, each dwelling market with a median below $400,000. With other capital city and major regional markets soaring in value over the past few years, it seems like buyers are targeting what is left of the affordable land and housing across the country as interest rates fall and rents reaccelerate. Other highlights include: The strongest quarterly pace of growth has rippled from the lower quartile of the market (2.4%) to the broad middle (2.5%). Nationally, the ‘middle’ of the market is dwellings valued between $648k and $1.2m. Outside of Darwin, where values rose 5.9% in the September quarter, the ‘midsized’ capitals continued to lead growth, with Perth home values up 4.0%, Brisbane up 3.5% and Adelaide up 2.5%. Cotality estimates 44,436 sales occurred nationally in September, taking the rolling 12 month count to 540,775. Annual sales were roughly in line with the number of sales this time last year. The amount of time it takes to sell a property by private treaty has increased year on year to 30 days nationally but results vary depending on the market. For example, the recent strength in the Darwin market has driven down selling times from 51 days in the September quarter last year to just 39 days. In Melbourne, selling times have fallen from 35 to 32 days year on year. The discounts offered by sellers are generally smaller than they were a year ago amid rising buyer activity and low stock levels. The vendor discounting rate shrank from 3.3% in the September quarter last year to 3.2% in the three months to September 2025. Total stock levels have moved subtly higher in the past four weeks, with just 122,173 properties observed for sale nationally over the four weeks to October 5. Since the start of spring, total listing levels have risen 2.7%. However, stock levels generally remain tight, sitting -19.3% below the historic five-year average for this time of year.   Source: Cotality

Australians are living longer than ever before due to a combination of factors including improved healthcare, better living conditions and over all better quality of life. With this longevity comes the challenge of ensuring financial security throughout a longer retirement. Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) shows that life expectancy at birth is now 81.1 years for males and 85.1 years for females1. Despite the increases in these averages, many Australians will live well beyond these ages, making planning for your retirement income more important than ever. What is longevity risk? Longevity risk refers to the possibility of outliving your savings. Living longer allows you to enjoy the fruits of life for longer but it also means planning carefully to ensure your savings last as long as you do. For Australian retirees, this is especially important, as the Age Pension alone may not be enough to cover all living expenses over an extended period. According to the Challenger Retirement Happiness Index2, 72% of Australians aged 60+ report that the rising cost of living has adversely impacted their financial security, with 34% admitting the impact was significant. This highlights the importance of planning for longevity risk to maintain financial confidence in retirement. Building financial security for the future To ensure a comfortable and secure retirement, it’s important to take proactive steps to manage longevity risk. Here are some key considerations: Understand how long your retirement savings may last   Knowing how long you might live can help you plan your finances to last throughout retirement. Factors like health, lifestyle and family history can play a role in estimating life expectancy. Understand your income sources Retirement income can come from a mix of sources, including the Age Pension, superannuation, personal savings and investments. For many Australians, the Age Pension alone may not be enough to cover all living expenses, especially if superannuation or other savings run out. Adding a source of regular income such as a lifetime annuity to your retirement income plan can help you manage the risk of outliving your savings. By using some of your super or other money to set up a lifetime income stream, you could create an additional layer of secure income that complements the Age Pension, if you are eligible. This approach helps to provide peace of mind by ensuring you have a regular source of income that can cover essential needs throughout your life. This can form part of a comprehensive retirement income plan. Use planning tools and resources Make a budget The Age Pension is a key safety net for many Australians. Consider how it works, including eligibility and its role alongside superannuation and lifetime income streams. For personalised guidance to help you make informed decisions about your finances, consider accessing free services like the Financial Information Service (FIS) offered by Services Australia or see a Financial Adviser. The benefits of financial security Financial security can transform retirement into a time of freedom and fulfilment, allowing retirees to focus on what truly matters. With a lifetime income stream you can enjoy meaningful activities like traveling, pursuing hobbies or spending quality time with loved ones without the stress of financial uncertainty. The Challenger Retirement Happiness Index2 reveals that 41% of Australians aged 60+ see “having enough money to enjoy retirement” as essential for happiness, while 33% value knowing their money will last. This financial confidence provides the foundation for a retirement filled with confidence, happiness and peace of mind. Planning for a confident retirement A well thought out retirement plan provides the confidence to enjoy life without the constant worry of running out of money. By understanding longevity risk and taking proactive steps, you can feel more confident that your retirement income will last as long as you do. 1 Life expectancy, 2021 – 2023 | Australian Bureau of Statistics 2 Challenger Retirement Happiness Index   Source: Challenger

Super is money from your employer and your own savings you can use when you retire. As you earn an income it keeps growing a little at a time. But if you want to set yourself up for more choice for your life in retirement, there are two ways to help your super savings grow faster. Super booster #1: save more When you earn income, your super gets paid by your employer as a percentage of your salary. That’s something they are legally required to do and that’s why it’s called the superannuation guarantee. But your super savings don’t have to be limited by what you earn. You can make personal payments into super and there are a few different ways to do this. Super booster #2: invest smart Choosing how to invest your super is another step towards helping your savings grow. When you join a super fund, if you don’t choose how to invest your super, any savings you already have, and any new payments into your account, will be invested in a standardised investment option, known as MySuper. This might be ideal for your life stage and the type of investments you feel comfortable with. But most super funds offer a whole range of investment options and there might be one that is a more appropriate choice for getting the most from your super savings or if you want to play a more active role in your investment decisions. Get motivated to save Saving a little extra in your super now can make a big difference to your future income. But this can be hard to get your head around when it’s money you won’t get to spend until you retire. Here are four things to think about when it comes to saving as a way to grow your super: Super is your money It’s important to think of super as part of your net worth, just like any other savings account or the $50 note in your hand. Finding out how much super you actually have is a good way to remind yourself that it has real value, even though you usually need to wait until retirement to access your super. Even small savings count Another way to get motivated to save is to look at the difference your extra savings can make in 30, 20 or even 10 years’ time. See how a head start can help you reach your super goal and find out more about the big changes small savings can make for your super. Super isn’t everything Choosing to save more super can be hard if you feel like you’re struggling to make ends meet or you’re saving for something that’s really important, here and now. So you need to think about your other money priorities before choosing to make extra payments into your super. Extra super can save on your tax Making extra payments into super up to a certain amount each year could actually see you pay less in tax. So you get to put more money into retirement savings. Get educated to invest When it comes to investing super, knowing how to choose between all the options is a major hurdle to get over. And there are a lot of different things to consider when you’re investing your super, from the time it will be invested to the amount of risk you’re comfortable with or what is suitable for your life stage. Take a closer look Cass starts saving an extra $100 each month from age 25. Her friend Sunita starts her extra savings into super from 45. If the two friends earn the same throughout their career and keep saving at the same rate, Cass will have a super balance of $560,488 and Sunita will have a super balance of $521,198. Cass will have a super balance that’s $39,290 higher when they both retire at age 65. Choosing to save a little more into super now will see your money grow much more over time. And thanks to the magical multiplying effect of compounding interest, every extra dollar added to your super savings is another dollar that can earn even more towards your final balance. The interest or investment returns your super is earning are also going to be reinvested and earn more for your super. As this example shows, a 20 year head start on saving extra into super has earned Cass an additional $15,290 in investment earnings form her super savings up to age 65. Around 60% of her extra balance at retirement comes from her savings and around 40% comes from the earnings on those savings. Source: MLC

In Australia, we’re pretty big on borrowing money. According to figures published by Finder in 2024, Australia takes the number three spot, after Switzerland and the Netherlands in the top five countries with the highest levels of household debt. So, if you’re in debt, you’re certainly not alone in owing money. Mortgage debt is the number one contributor to household debt, followed by personal loans, credit cards and student loans. Quick stats – average Australian debt levels Household debt $261,492 Home loan debt $665,978 Credit card debt $3,306 Personal loan debt $8,098 Care loan debt $13,315 Student debt $27,640 Source: Finder – March 2024 Being in debt doesn’t have to be a problem as long as you’ve got money coming in to meet all your financial commitments, including loan repayments. But falling behind on those payments or finding yourself juggling too much debt along with bills and rent, can lead to serious short and long-term financial stress. In this guide to getting out of debt you’ll learn about the steps you can take straight away to deal with debt problems. You’ll also find out what to expect if your debts or bills remain unpaid. What to do if you can’t pay The most important thing when it comes to getting on top of debts is to act quickly. Take one or more of the following steps as soon as you become aware that you’re struggling to keep up with payments. This gives you more time to understand your options and make the right decision without putting yourself under extra pressure. Speak to your credit provider – contact your bank or other loan, credit card provider or utility company as soon as you can. Even if you’ve already missed a payment, there’s a good chance you can speak to someone about a new instalment plan you can afford. Apply for a hardship variation – if you’re unable to keep up with payments because of unemployment, ill health or changes in your financial circumstances, you could be eligible for a hardship variation. You can phone your provider to begin this process but may need to make an application in writing. The Financial Rights Legal Centre offers sample letters you can use for a hardship variation and for other situations like dealing with debt collectors. Speak with a financial counsellor – when your finances get out of control, dealing with debts and unpaid bills can be scary and isolating. If you’re confused about what to do, speaking to a financial counsellor could be the best course of action. You can hear more about your options and find out about your rights and responsibilities when it comes to dealing with debt collectors and any legal action against you because of your debts. Moneysmart offers more detailed information and advice on these different ways to get help with debts. Accessing super to pay debts It’s generally the case that you can’t withdraw any of your super until you reach your preservation age. However, there are two ways you may be able to gain early access to your super to pay off debts. The first is access on compassionate grounds, which includes ‘making a payment on a loan or council rates so you don’t lose your home’ as a legitimate reason for early access to a lump sum from your super. You may also be able to withdraw super early on the grounds of severe financial hardship. The Department of Human Services website provides guidance on what is considered to be financial hardship. You’ll need to apply to your super fund to make any arrangement for early withdrawal on these grounds. It’s well worth speaking to a financial counsellor before making a decision to apply for early access to super as this could impact your future financial security in retirement. What can happen if you don’t pay Credit history – unpaid debts or bills that have been outstanding for more than 60 days will be included on your credit history for five years, even after the debt or bill has been paid. When your provider is unable to contact you to request payment, this stays on your credit history for seven years. This will lower your credit score, which can impact your future ability to borrow money. Repossession – when a loan is secured on an asset, such as your car or home, and you miss a repayment, a lender may take action to repossess that asset. Once you’ve missed a payment, a lender must issue you a default notice and then give you 30 days following the date of issue to pay the overdue amount before taking steps to repossess the asset. Debt recovery – if you do not make an instalment plan for overdue debt or bill payments or take any other steps to repay money you owe, your provider may arrange for a debt collection service to recover the debt. Debt collectors are required by law to operate within strict guidelines in how they can contact you. If you are experiencing threatening or intimidating behaviour from a debt collector, you can make a complaint to the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) or your credit or service provider. What to do about debt recovery Unless you dispute a debt – and you can do this if you believe you don’t owe the money you’re asked to repay – it’s important to communicate clearly and honestly during all stages of a debt recovery process. If you don’t, it’s possible your credit provider will seek judgement from a court to issue a garnishee order to recover the debt directly from your bank accounts or your salary payments. The ATO can also take this action to claim unpaid taxes without seeking judgement from a court. How long can debts last? Unpaid debts can stay on your credit history for up to seven years, even once they’ve been paid in full. In most cases, debts are consider ‘statute-barred’ if no payment has been made on the debt within the last six years and there has been no court judgement regarding the debt. So, if you have an ‘old’ debt and receive a request for payment, seek legal … Read more