Dianne Shepherd

Australians are being urged to rethink how they define retirement wealth, with a growing push for a more complete view of household finances that recognises the family home as a central part of retirement capital.

For decades, retirement planning in Australia has centred on superannuation and investment balances. But with a rising number of Australians entering retirement carrying mortgage debt, and with housing wealth now the single largest asset for most older households, industry specialists say the traditional framework no longer reflects the reality of modern retirement.

Homesafe Wealth Release CEO Dianne Shepherd said it was time to broaden the conversation beyond superannuation and introduce the concept of ‘retirement capital’ – a balance sheet view of household wealth that includes the home.

“Retirement planning in this country has become narrowly focused on what sits in a super fund or an investment account,” Shepherd said. “But retirement capital is the entire balance sheet a household has built over a lifetime and for most Australians, the largest line on that balance sheet is the family home.”

“Too often, retirement planning focuses on what happens outside the front door,” Shepherd said. “Superannuation balances, investment portfolios and income streams are examined closely, while the home is treated as something separate or untouchable. The result is a generation of Australians who are asset-rich but cash-constrained with their retirement income options assessed as though their largest asset does not exist.”

Shepherd said the superannuation system, while critical to Australia’s retirement framework, was being treated as a two-dimensional solution – accumulation followed by drawdown – rather than as one component of a broader household balance sheet.

“Super is a vital part of the system, but it is only one part,” Shepherd said. “Discussions about retirement readiness rarely consider the home, even though it often represents more wealth than everything else combined.”

The call comes as Australians live longer in retirement, now commonly spanning 25 to 30 years and as cost of living pressures and uneven superannuation balances prompt a more practical conversation about how retirement is funded and sustained.

“A balance sheet approach does not prescribe a single pathway,” Shepherd said. “It does not suggest every homeowner should access the equity in their property, nor does it diminish the role of strategies such as downsizing or drawing on superannuation. It simply broadens the lens through which retirement decisions are made.”

Shepherd said adopting a balance sheet mindset did not require a trade-off between living well in retirement and leaving a legacy for family.

“There is a long-held view that the home must be preserved at all costs, typically to pass on as inheritance. That remains important for many families,” Shepherd said. “But the home can also support financial security, lifestyle and independence during retirement itself. These decisions are not mutually exclusive and they are more balanced when households understand their full position.”

With more than two decades working in the space, Homesafe is calling on policymakers, super funds and the advice industry to move beyond the traditional accumulation-and-drawdown framing and recognise the home as part of how retirement is planned, measured and funded.

“Australia’s retirement system continues to evolve, but public understanding has not fully kept pace,” Shepherd said. “The next step is for the industry to catch up with how households actually hold their wealth and to help Australians plan with their whole balance sheet in view, not just the part that sits in a super fund.”

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Francis Fusca

Homesafe Wealth Release has appointed Francis Fusca as Manager of Distribution and Partnerships to lead engagement with brokers, financial advisers and banking partners, marking its expansion into third-party channels after two decades operating almost exclusively through direct‑to‑consumer channels.

A rising number of Australians are now entering retirement with mortgage debt, prompting the company to broaden access to its equity release solution beyond traditional loan products and reverse mortgages. Department of Treasury data shows almost half of homeowning Australians aged 55–64 now carry housing debt, highlighting a structural shift in retirement funding[1].

Homesafe CEO Dianne Shepherd said the appointment reflects growing demand for alternative, non-debt-based solutions for retirees carrying mortgage balances into retirement.

“This is the first time we are actively engaging in the broker and adviser channel, and we are bringing in someone who is exceptionally experienced and well suited to this role,” Shepherd said

“Brokers are increasingly working with clients who are approaching retirement with outstanding mortgage debt. Expanding into the broker and adviser channel allows equity release to become part of a broader retirement funding conversation, rather than just a last resort option.

“For many older Australians, the family home is their most valuable asset – yet they often feel trapped by mortgage repayments or cash‑flow pressures. Homesafe provides a safe and certain way to unlock equity without taking on debt, allowing retirees to improve their financial wellbeing with confidence.”

Traditionally, retirees looking to access housing wealth have been limited to two main choices: downsizing and moving, or taking on additional debt through a loan product. While these options work for some, they don’t suit everyone’s circumstances or preferences.

Mr Fusca will lead Homesafe’s engagement strategy across mortgage brokers, financial advisers and banking partners, with a focus on education, strategic partnerships and increasing professional awareness of Homesafe’s equity release solution.

Mr Fusca brings more than 13 years of experience building and managing high‑value partnerships across the mortgage broker and financial services industries. Most recently, he served as Head of Growth Markets at Allianz, where he led partnerships with NAB, HSBC and more than 10 major mortgage broker aggregators. He has a strong track record of developing trust‑based relationships, driving portfolio growth and delivering innovative partnership strategies.

“I’m excited to join Homesafe at such an important time for the industry,” Mr Fusca said.

“Many brokers already understand the pressures facing pre-retirees. What’s often missing is a clear understanding of where equity release sits relative to traditional lending options. My focus will be on closing that knowledge gap.

“Homesafe has a unique offering that can genuinely improve outcomes for older Australians, and I’m looking forward to helping more professionals bring this option into their conversations with clients.”

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Dianne Shepherd

Australia’s shrinking financial adviser workforce is creating increasing financial insecurity for Australians entering retirement with mortgage debt, limited superannuation and rising cost‑of‑living pressures.

Adviser numbers have fallen from almost 30,000 in 2019 to just over 15,000 today, and with the average cost of comprehensive advice rising to around $4,700 annually, many retirees are being priced out of the support they need during the most financially complex phase of their lives.

Homesafe CEO Dianne Shepherd said the advice gap is emerging at the worst possible time.

“We are seeing more Australians than ever reaching retirement still carrying a mortgage, with modest super balances and increasing longevity risk – yet access to affordable, high‑quality financial advice has never been harder to secure,” Shepherd said.

“The combination of rising debt, volatile markets and a shrinking adviser workforce means many retirees are being forced to make life‑changing financial decisions without the guidance they deserve.”

Homesafe warns that older Australians face a growing list of financial challenges, including: managing superannuation drawdowns and tax strategies, navigating age pension eligibility, rising interest rates increasing mortgages repayments and integrating home equity into long‑term planning.

Professional financial advisers will play a critical role in supporting people navigating these challenges and the growing level of unmet financial advice needs is making it harder for older Australians to plan their retirement and execute those plans with confidence.

“Retirement today is far more complex than it was a decade ago. The burden of decision‑making has shifted almost entirely to individuals, yet the support system around them is shrinking,” Shepherd said.

Superannuation assets now total more than $4 trillion nationwide, making retirement savings Australia’s second-largest household asset class and a clear sign of long-term saving discipline.^[1] Even with that growth, super balances alone may not fully offset the impact of housing debt on retirement lifestyles, particularly if ongoing mortgage repayments continue to reduce disposable income later in life.

This aligns with independent retirement research supported by Homesafe into the role of housing wealth in retirement planning, which has identified growing pressure on Australians’ retirement savings as housing debt increasingly extends into later life.^[2]

“Retirement security is not just about how much you’ve saved,” Shepherd said. “It’s about how all your financial pieces – property, debt, super and everyday living costs – fit together.

For many older Australians, that wealth is largely tied up in the family home – an asset that provides security and stability, but not always accessible income. Housing wealth often outweighs retirement savings, meaning many households are financially comfortable on paper but constrained in day-to-day cash flow.^[3]

Traditionally, retirees looking to access housing wealth have felt limited to two main choices: downsizing and moving, or taking on additional debt through a loan product. While these options work for some, they don’t suit everyone’s circumstances or preferences.

At the same time, Homesafe is highlighting the role that responsible home‑equity solutions can play in improving retirement outcomes — particularly for those with limited super and ongoing mortgage debt.

“For many older Australians, the family home is their most valuable asset — yet they often feel trapped by mortgage repayments or cash‑flow pressures. Homesafe provides a safe and certain way to unlock equity without taking on debt, allowing retirees to improve their financial wellbeing with confidence,” Shepherd said.

“We work closely customers, and often their families and advisers, to ensure decisions are informed, transparent and aligned with long‑term needs. In an environment where advice is harder to access, having safe, well‑understood options is more important than ever.”

“Every Australian deserves the opportunity to retire with dignity and financial security. We cannot allow a shrinking adviser workforce and rising advice costs to leave older Australians behind.”

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Dianne Shepherd

Homesafe Wealth Release says new research released by COTA Australia confirms what many older homeowners already know: owning a home does not guarantee financial security in retirement.

The State of the Older Nation 2025 report reveals that one in four Australians aged over 50 is living in poverty, directly challenging the persistent myth that older Australians are uniformly wealthy.

While many older Australians report improved quality of life since the pandemic, almost half (48%) believe conditions are worsening for people their age, driven largely by rising cost-of-living pressures, healthcare costs and housing affordability.

Homesafe Wealth Release CEO Dianne Shepherd said the findings highlight a growing disconnect between housing wealth and everyday financial resilience.

“This report confirms what we see every day – many older Australians own their home, but are struggling to manage rising living costs,” Shepherd said. “We need to stop equating home ownership with financial comfort. For many retirees, their wealth is locked in their home while cashflow pressures continue to rise.”

The report also shows that downsizing remains appealing for many older homeowners, yet high upfront costs such as stamp duty, transaction expenses and limited suitable housing are preventing people from acting.

“Older Australians overwhelmingly want to stay in their homes and communities,” Shepherd said. “But Financial barriers to downsizing mean selling the family home is often not a realistic or desirable solution.”

Homesafe Wealth Release enables homeowners aged over 60 to access a portion of their home’s future value without taking on debt, selling their home or making regular repayments, allowing them to manage living costs, healthcare expenses and lifestyle needs while remaining in their home.

“This research shows the challenge facing older Australians is not a lack of assets – it’s a lack of accessible income,” Shepherd said. “Policy, products and public conversations need to reflect that reality.”

The report reinforces the need for retirement solutions that support ageing in place, dignity and financial stability, without forcing older Australians into unnecessary or disruptive housing decisions.

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Dianne Shepherd

The national conversation around downsizing often overlooks the reality that most older Australians want to stay in their homes and many who do downsize often regret the decision.

Research consistently shows that older Australians overwhelmingly prefer to “age in place” – remaining in their own home or familiar neighborhood as they grow older.^[1]

This is supported by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, which notes that housing plays a critical role in the physical, psychological and emotional wellbeing of older people, with home ownership providing long‑term stability and security.^[2] Despite this, government policy and housing market dynamics continue to encourage retirees to downsize.

Homesafe Wealth Release CEO Dianne Shepherd said older Australians are repeatedly told that downsizing is the responsible choice, but for many, it is neither practical nor desirable.

“The family home is not just an asset – it is a source of identity, stability and connection,” Shepherd said. For a growing number of Australians, downsizing means losing far more than square metres.”

Even for those open to the idea, suitable housing options are limited. Smaller, appropriately designed homes for older Australians accounted for less than half of all new homes built between the 2016 and 2021 Censuses. The Downsizing Australia Report (REA Group & GemLife, 2025) found that 85% of older households (aged 55+) have two or more spare bedrooms, yet remain in their family homes because appropriate downsizer housing is not available^[3].

Financial barriers further complicate the decision. National Seniors Australia identifies stamp duty, agent fees and moving costs as major deterrents, with transaction costs often eroding much of the financial gain from selling.

“The idea that downsizing automatically improves financial security is not always the case,” Shepherd said. “Once you factor in stamp duty, agent fees, legal costs, moving expenses and the price of suitable smaller homes, many retirees end up worse off.”

Downsizing can also have unintended consequences for Age Pension eligibility. While the family home is exempt from the pension assets test, any surplus funds released from a sale become assessable. For example, if a couple frees up $300,000 by downsizing, their pension could be reduced by up to $900 per fortnight – or $23,400 per year – under current taper rates.

“This is a trap many retirees do not see coming,” Shepherd said. “The family home is protected under the assets test, but once you sell, that protection disappears.”

While the Federal Government’s Downsizer Superannuation Contribution scheme allows Australians aged 55 and over to contribute up to $300,000 per person from the sale of their home into superannuation, Shepherd said it does not address the core emotional, financial and practical barriers that prevent many retirees from moving.

As a result, more older Australians are seeking ways to access home equity without leaving their homes. Homesafe offers an alternative that enables older homeowners to unlock a portion of their property’s equity without taking on debt, compounding interest or the obligation to move, allowing them to remain in their home for life while improving financial flexibility.

“We are seeing more older Australians who want to help their children enter the property market but do not want to sell the family home,” Shepherd said “They need options that let them stay where they are, while still accessing the wealth tied up in their property.”

Shepherd said the broader national discussion needs to better reflect the preferences and realities facing older homeowners.

“Downsizing is not the universal solution,” she said. “Most older Australians want to stay where they are, many cannot afford to move, and the housing market often does not offer what they need. It is time for a more balanced conversation – one that supports alternatives and allows people to age in place with dignity, security and choice.”

——–

Notes:
[1] The downsizing preferences of and opportunities for Australians over 55
[2] Older Australians, Housing and living arrangements – Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
[3] Older people need ‘right-size’ homes to downsize: survey

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Dianne Shepard

Homesafe Wealth Release, Australia’s leading debt-free equity release solution, has launched in Geelong, marking the company’s first move beyond metropolitan Melbourne in its 20-year history.

The expansion is a timely response to growing demand in regional Victoria, where rising housing debt and retirement pressures are placing increased financial strain on older Australians.

Almost half of Australian homeowners retire with a mortgage and this milestone reflects Homesafe’s growing role in supporting financial independence for older Australians, especially those facing rising living costs and limited superannuation balances.

Recent data from the Geelong Community Foundation’s Vital Signs 2023–24 report^[1]reveals that almost 29 per cent of mortgage holders in the region are at risk of mortgage stress, with interest charges rising by over 90 per cent in the 2023-24 financial year.

This will enable more Victorians to unlock the wealth in their homes with zero debt, zero compounding interest charges and zero repayments while continuing to live in them.

Homesafe CEO Dianne Shepherd said Geelong was the natural next step for Homesafe.

“Homesafe is a trusted brand that has been providing asset-rich older Australian homeowners with access to home equity, debt free, for over 20 years,” Shepherd said.

“We’ve seen how our solution transforms retirement outcomes for homeowners in Melbourne, and we’re pleased to now offer the same opportunity to the Geelong community.

“Homesafe’s expansion offers a timely and trusted alternative for Victorian retirees seeking financial freedom without taking on new loans or drawing down superannuation balances.

“Homesafe is not a loan or a reverse mortgage and continues to be the popular debt free way for seniors to access the wealth tied up in their homes.

“With a proven track record and deep commitment to later life wellbeing, Homesafe’s entry into Geelong marks a new chapter in empowering older Australians to live with confidence and independence.”

Nationally, mortgage debt among Australians aged 55 and over has surged by 600%^[2] since the late 1980s, with nearly half of those aged 55–64 still paying off their mortgage as they approach retirement.

Since Homesafe was founded in 2005, Homesafe Wealth Release has helped over 8000 Australian retirees unlock the equity in their homes.

“Many older homeowners have done everything right – worked hard, paid off most of their mortgage, and raised families, but now they’re squeezed by rising living costs and uncertain income in retirement. They don’t have the wealth to pay off their debt when thinking about retirement,” Shepherd said.

“This can be distressing and borrowing against a home can lead to compounding debt that puts long-term equity at risk. Homesafe provides homeowners with a debt-free way to unlock the value in their home today, while giving them confidence to stay where they feel safe, supported and in control.

“It has become a trusted a model for thousands of Australians seeking a more stable financial future in retirement. We’re proud of the trust we have built over two decades and our product is designed with fairness, transparency and customer protection at its core.

“Whether it’s paying off a remaining mortgage, covering living expenses, or simply enjoying retirement without financial stress, more Australians are discovering the value of turning to their most valuable asset – their home – without having to sell it*.”

———-

Notes:
[1] https://www.geelongfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/files/GCF-Vital-Signs-2023-24-FINAL.pdf
[2] https://www.ahuri.edu.au/

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Dianne Shepherd

Seniors debt-free equity release provider Homesafe Solutions Pty Ltd continues to operate during the COVID-19 crisis, helping seniors in need of funds in these very difficult times.

Homesafe’s debt-free equity release solution, Homesafe Wealth Release^®, remains available to homeowners as the business has transitioned to a virtual online service, and has already assisted new customers via virtual technology in recent weeks.

“For 15 years we have prided ourselves on our old-fashioned approach to service focused on meeting in person with our customers, however we are pleased to confirm we have a dedicated team who have transitioned successfully to building customer relationships and trust, in a contactless environment.”

Demand for products allowing Australian homeowners to access the equity in their homes remains strong, says Dianne Shepherd, Chief Operating Officer of Homesafe Solutions Pty Ltd – the provider of the only debt-free equity release solution, Homesafe Wealth Release^®, which launched in 2005.

“Many over 60s are suffering financial stress, yet don’t qualify for additional government assistance.

“We are receiving a number of enquiries from senior homeowners in their 60s and 70s who have seen their superannuation balances diminish or have been impacted by more cuts to interest rates and continue to struggle to service or pay out their debts.

“Using some of the equity in the home provides a way to meet living expenses or pay out the mortgage, to achieve some peace of mind at this time.”

Homesafe Wealth Release is the popular alternative to a loan product or reverse mortgage for seniors. The homeowner agrees with Homesafe to sell a share of the future sale proceeds of their home in return for a lump sum payment today – there are no repayments, no capitalising interest charges and Homesafe only receives it share of the sale proceeds when the home is sold when the homeowner chooses, or after the death of the surviving homeowner. Homesafe is not entitled to receive any more than the agreed share and the homeowner is protected by rebates, if they sell earlier than anticipated by Homesafe.

“Homesafe has received a number of enquiries from customers and referral partners over the last few weeks, and we have been pleasantly surprised how successful the virtual approach has been for the business and our customers. We remain open for business and our team is here to help during these challenging times”, said Ms Shepherd.

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Dianne Shepard

A recent study suggests more Australians aged over 55 are considering raiding their superannuation to pay off mortgages, highlighting the need for clarity around alternative strategies to eliminate mortgage debt, according to a leading equity release provider.

Findings from RMIT and the Australian Bureau of Statistics revealed the number of Australians aged 55 to 64 still paying down their mortgage has jumped from 14 per cent to 47 per cent in 26 years. RMIT suggests more Australians may be tempted to use their super to eliminate this mortgage debt.

The RMIT report follows a recent ABC TV 7.30 Report investigation which said one million households in Australia currently have at least one person who is 65 years or older and in debt: and that half of all 50-year olds expect to retire at 67 still carrying mortgage debt.

Dianne Shepherd, Chief Operating Officer of equity release provider Homesafe Solutions Pty Ltd, says it’s concerning Australians may feel compelled to use super when equity in the family home could be a viable solution. “This issue highlights the need for more clarity on alternative strategies to pay the mortgage aside from raiding the hard-earned superannuation nest egg.

“Using superannuation to pay off the mortgage may diminish lifestyle in retirement, as people may then be relying solely on the aged pension.

“Releasing some of the equity from the family home may be a powerful alternative strategy which allows retirees to reduce or eliminate their mortgage and keep their super intact.”

Ms Shepherd says paying off the mortgage is among the most common uses for Homesafe’s equity release product, Homesafe Wealth Release®, which is currently the only equity release solution providing access to a lump sum debt-free. “It’s important any equity release solution is debt free when paying off a mortgage, otherwise you end up chasing your tail with debt.”

She said escalating mortgage debt among over-55s shows the importance of considering the family home as the ‘fourth pillar’ of retirement. “The family home, as a store of wealth, has potential to become the fourth pillar of the retirement income system.

“This would allow more Australians to ‘age in place’ without being hampered by excessive debts such as outstanding mortgages.

“It’s vital the wider ageing population is aware of all their options and can access the stored wealth in the homes when they need it the most.”

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Dianne Shepard

A review released this week by ASIC into the reverse mortgage market in Australia, has drawn attention to the need for safe and certain equity release solutions for older homeowners.

Homesafe Solutions Pty Ltd, the provider of Homesafe Wealth Release^®, the only competitive alternative to reverse mortgages in the equity release sector, welcomes the report’s recommendations which seek to ensure protections for senior homeowners.

Dianne Shepherd, Chief Operating Officer of Homesafe said: “The wealth built up in the family home has become the fourth pillar of the retirement system in Australia, and it is important for seniors, today and in the future, to have access to products which can provide the ability to access this wealth when needed the most”.

Homesafe Wealth Release^® has been designed to provide older homeowners a mechanism to access the wealth in their home, by providing an upfront lump sum payment, in such a way which addresses future uncertainty. Specifically, Homesafe Wealth Release^® is a property transaction and not a loan, which enables the homeowner to sell a capped future share of the eventual sale proceeds of their home in return for a cash amount today whilst retaining the right to live in the home and choose when they sell. The capped share approach, provides greater certainty by ensuring the homeowner is not burdened with property growth, longevity or interest rate risks, as may be evident in alternative equity release products.

For over 13 years Homesafe Solutions Pty Ltd has provided its debt free equity solution via its customer centric, ‘one-on-one’ approach to customer service, and has built a respected reputation in the market by providing a facilitation model without sales staff or selling strategies.

“Homesafe has continued to assist its growing customer base through understanding their needs and objectives, and long-term aspirations. Homesafe Wealth Release^® has been designed to offer a solution which can protect the future equity in the home, to ensure the homeowner can plan for future aged care needs or estate planning for their beneficiaries”. Ms Shepherd said Homesafe acknowledges the recent release of the ASIC review into reverse mortgages and supports recommendations which seek to ensure greater protections for senior homeowners.

“Moreover, we are pleased the review confirms the need for equity release products across the wider market, to assist seniors achieve financial independence in retirement – a need which is confirmed by the ever-increasing demand for our debt free alternative to the reverse mortgage product.”

About Homesafe Wealth Release

Homesafe provides a debt-free home equity release solution where the homeowner agrees with Homesafe to sell a share of the future sale proceeds of their home in return for a lump sum payment today – the home is only sold when the homeowner chooses, or after the death of the surviving homeowner, with the unsold share of the sale proceeds retained by the homeowner or their Estate. Homesafe is not entitled to receive any more than the agreed share.

Homesafe Wealth Release was established in 2005 in conjunction with Bendigo and Adelaide Bank.

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Dianne Shepard

Equity release specialist, Homesafe Solutions Pty Ltd (Homesafe), has welcomed further steps taken by the Federal Government in recognising the need to address the longevity concerns of Senior Homeowners and their desire to remain in their homes long-term, rather than downsize.

Whilst acknowledging the expansion of access to the Pension Loans scheme may assist some seniors to meet day-to-day living costs, the scheme, more broadly, recognises the opportunity to use the wealth in the home to provide access to financial support, and is consistent with the view the family home, as a store of wealth, has become the fourth pillar of the retirement income system.

Homesafe General Manager, Ms Dianne Shepherd, said that “We are supportive of any measure which can assist seniors to stay in the workforce, support the needs of retirees to ‘age in place’, and provide a national program for the recording of Enduring Powers of Attorney to protect the more vulnerable sections of our community.

“However, we hope the Government will consider providing more comprehensive support to providers of equity release solutions in the private sector, to assist the wider ageing population whose financial needs may not be met by such a scheme.”

Historically, fewer than 1000 retirees have taken up the Pension Loan Scheme, which creates a debt to the Commonwealth Government subject to a compound interest rate and secured by a statutory charge over the home. Whilst a small segment of senior homeowners may seek to apply for the expanded scheme from July 2019, there will remain a significant number of homeowners over 60 years of age who will require access to more substantial funds to support their retirement needs either at pre-retirement stage, or over the long-term.

Homesafe assists an increasing number of over 60s to discharge mortgage debt for lifestyle purposes, renovations or assisting family members, by providing a debt-free alternative to release the equity from the family home.

“Rather than taking out a capitalising interest loan and then carrying the risk of future property growth rates as the debt increases, with Homesafe the homeowner can sell a part of their home today and protect a share of the future equity in their home for their own needs or to leave to their Estate.”

Homesafe says the role of equity release will become more important as the number of Australian ‘baby boomers’ reaching retirement continues to grow, and it is crucial that seniors understand the options which are available to them now, and what impact their decisions may have in future.

“Government has an unprecedented opportunity to recognise the role of equity release in Australia, not only the benefits for individuals but also the wider economy, and to support the efficacy of the industry by working with providers of equity release products to ensure the wider ageing population can access the stored wealth in the homes when they need it the most.”

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