I am going to look at home ownership from an older generational point of view.

For the majority of age pensioners, their home is the largest asset they own and in most situations the most expensive asset. The costs associated with owning a home are not minor, from council rates which can be quite high depending on where you live through to water rates, the ongoing maintenance and of course the yearly home insurance premium.

For a single age pensioner, with very little other income outside a full pension, these costs can prove quite high, but in all my years of talking to retirees, suggesting a person sell their home and downsize is normally met with a scowl and that this is not an option.
Why is it not an option?

For a large number of people, the house they currently live in has been their home for a lengthy period of time. It is where they have raised their children, it contains special memories or it could be the last place they lived with their spouse who has since passed away. Like their neighbours, they feel secure, they are comfortable with the task of travelling to their local shopping centre or their doctor is close by. Last but not least, if they have extra cash after selling their home and buying a smaller home would this affect their pension?

Accessing the equity in your home via a reverse mortgage could certainly be an option. But again the fear of making the bank your silent partner again, holding mortgage papers on your house can be a very daunting thought for an older single age pensioner.

Trying to educate and change a person’s mind and attitude who maybe in their eighties in relation to home ownership and the age pension is not easy. However, for a person in their fifties and sixties approaching their retirement, I believe this education and attitude change is a must, going into the future.

Source: Mark Teale | Centrepoint Alliance