Property Investor Couple Who Need Their Investments Translated Into A Retirement Plan
Background: Meet Lucas and Charlotte
Lucas and Charlotte, a high-net-worth couple in their early 50s from Melbourne’s East, are successful IT professionals who have built a strong investment and property portfolio over the years. They own their primary residence in Blackburn, as well as multiple investment properties in Yarraville, Ormond, and Glebe (held within their SMSF).
With a focus on creating long-term financial security, they were looking to understand how their investments could be structured to provide a reliable income stream throughout retirement, starting from their ideal retirement age of 60 and extending well into their 90s.
Key Results at a Glance
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Stronger Financial Position:Projected improvement of $620,000+ by age 90.
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Debt Savings:$20,000 interest saved over the next 2 years through strategic debt advice.
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Retirement Confidence:Gained clarity and confidence to scale back from work before fully retiring.
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Tax Savings:Saved up to $3,418 annually through concessional and non-concessional super contributions.
Why Did They Seek Advice?
- Gain clarity on how their current investments and properties could support a comfortable retirement lifestyle.
- Understand the financial implications of selling or retaining their investment properties.
- Assess how downsizing their primary residence and using the downsizer contribution to super could impact their retirement funds.
- Review and update their insurance cover to align with their retirement goals.
- Assess their SMSF and broader investment strategy to ensure it supports their long-term objectives and desired retirement income.
Strategies Implemented
Lucas and Charlotte’s retirement plan involved several interconnected elements, from property and superannuation to debt management. To give them confidence in their retirement decisions, we modelled different scenarios and structured strategies that balanced their financial security with lifestyle goals.
Property Advice:
- Advised on downsizing their primary residence and evaluating the implications of using the downsizer contribution to super, allowing them to make a more tax-efficient choice without compromising lifestyle.
- Recommended not holding all investment properties indefinitely to reduce concentration risk.
- Planned the staged sale of investment properties, including the Yarraville property and one Ormond property, prior to Lucas turning 67, to reduce concentration risk, lower exposure to interest rate increases, and provide liquid funds for retirement.
Superannuation::
- Implemented both concessional and non-concessional contributions to super, providing up to $3,418 in tax savings per year and supporting long-term retirement growth.
- Factored in Lucas’ exposure to Division 293 tax, while optimising contributions to minimise tax without exceeding contribution limits.
- Planned to utilise surplus proceeds from property sales to fund super contributions efficiently.
Debt & Cash Flow Management::
- Conducted a detailed debt review and identified $20,000 in interest savings over two years.
- Advised on holding non-deductible debt in the short term while building an additional $100,000 buffer in offset accounts to optimise financial security.
Outcomes and Benefits
- Improved projected financial position by over $620,000 by age 90 through strategic property and superannuation planning.
- Saving up to $3,418 annually in tax through concessional super contributions and better timing of property sales.
- Identified $20,000 in interest savings over the next two years, improving cash flow and reducing debt stress.
- Gained clarity and confidence around when and how to scale back from work before retirement.
- Maintained lifestyle freedom by making property decisions based on personal choice rather than financial pressure.
Key Takeaway
Planning ahead for how and when to wind down property investments is crucial as you approach retirement. By reviewing your portfolio early and strategically reallocating assets, you can free up cash flow, reduce tax liabilities, and strengthen your long-term financial position. This proactive approach helps create a more stable income stream and gives you the freedom to make lifestyle choices based on personal goals rather than financial constraints.
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Important Note
Produced with our client’s permission. Names within this case study have been changed to protect the client’s right to privacy. The content of this case study has been based on a real-life client. Any information provided here is general advice only and does not consider your objectives, financial situation or needs. This information should not be taken as comprehensive and does not constitute legal or financial advice. You should seek legal, financial or other professional advice before relying on any content. Yield Financial Planning is not responsible to you or anyone else for any loss suffered in connection with the use of this information. Information is only current at the date initially published.
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