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Downsizer Contributions: What If One Spouse Is Under 55?
Yes — both spouses can still make downsizer contributions
🎯 Quick Answer
If ONE spouse is aged 55 or over, BOTH spouses can make downsizer contributions — even if the other spouse is under 55. The younger spouse doesn't need to meet the age test themselves.
This is one of the most misunderstood (and most useful) features of the downsizer rules. Many people assume both spouses need to be 55+ to access downsizer contributions — but that's not the case.
This page explains exactly how the age requirement works for couples, with examples and important Centrelink considerations.
The Key Rule: Only ONE Spouse Needs to Be 55+
This is the critical point that many people (and even some advisers) get wrong:
💡 The Age Rule for Couples
If one spouse is aged 55 or over, both spouses can make downsizer contributions from the sale of their home — even if the other spouse is under 55.
The younger spouse does not need to meet the age test, provided they meet all the other downsizer conditions.
This means a couple with a significant age gap can still contribute up to $600,000 combined, regardless of the younger spouse's age.
What the Younger Spouse Still Needs to Meet
While the younger spouse doesn't need to be 55+, they must still satisfy all the other downsizer requirements:
Ownership Requirement
The home was owned by the younger spouse, their older spouse, or both for at least 10 years.
Main Residence
The property was the main residence at some point (qualifies for full or partial CGT main residence exemption).
Australian Property
The home is located in Australia (not a caravan, houseboat, or mobile home).
Timing
Contribution made within 90 days of settlement.
First Downsizer
Neither spouse has previously made a downsizer contribution.
Correct Form
The NAT 75073 form is submitted before or with the contribution.
Examples: How It Works in Practice
Example 1: One Spouse Over 55, One Under 55
Situation: Partner A is 58, Partner B is 52. Home owned for 18 years, sold for $900,000.
- Partner A (58): Can contribute up to $300,000 ✓
- Partner B (52): Can also contribute up to $300,000 ✓
- Combined maximum: $600,000
Partner B qualifies because Partner A meets the age requirement — Partner B's age doesn't matter.
Example 2: Maximising Super for the Younger Spouse
Situation: Jack is 62, Jill is 48. Home owned jointly for 20 years, sold for $1.2 million.
- Jack (62): Can contribute up to $300,000 ✓
- Jill (48): Can contribute up to $300,000 ✓
- Combined maximum: $600,000
This is a powerful strategy — Jill gets a significant super boost despite being well under 55.
Example 3: Neither Spouse Over 55
Situation: Partner A is 53, Partner B is 51. Home owned for 15 years, sold for $750,000.
- Neither partner can make a downsizer contribution ✗
- At least one spouse must be 55+ for the opportunity to arise
- Both could make NCCs from the proceeds (subject to caps and TSB)
Centrelink Considerations
Downsizer contributions follow the normal super assessment rules for Centrelink purposes:
- Your home (principal residence) is exempt from Centrelink's assets test
- Super is not assessed until you reach Age Pension age (currently 67)
- Once you reach Age Pension age, super is assessed under both the assets test and income test (via deeming)
💡 Strategy: Younger Spouse Under Age Pension Age
If your younger spouse is under 67, money in their super (in accumulation phase) is not assessed by Centrelink. This means contributing downsizer proceeds to a younger spouse's super can help protect assets from affecting the older spouse's Age Pension.
This exemption continues until the younger spouse reaches Age Pension age.
⚠️ Important Consideration
Selling your home (exempt asset) and putting money into super or keeping it in the bank will eventually affect your Age Pension once you're both over Age Pension age. Run the numbers before committing — our Age Pension Calculator can help you model different scenarios.
Common Myths — Busted
Myth: "Both spouses must be over 55"
Fact: Only ONE spouse needs to be 55+. The younger spouse can also contribute if all other conditions are met.
Myth: "The property must be jointly owned"
Fact: Even if only one spouse is on the title, both spouses can make downsizer contributions.
Myth: "Downsizer contributions are exempt from Centrelink"
Fact: Downsizer contributions follow normal super assessment rules — assessed once you reach Age Pension age.
Myth: "The younger spouse needs to meet the work test"
Fact: Downsizer contributions don't require a work test at any age.
Why This Matters: Strategic Uses
The ability for a younger spouse to make downsizer contributions opens up valuable planning opportunities:
- Boost super for a younger spouse — especially valuable if they've had career breaks or lower income
- Equalise super balances — helps both spouses maximise their Transfer Balance Caps
- Centrelink planning — super held by someone under 67 isn't assessed for the Age Pension
- When other contribution pathways are blocked — downsizer isn't affected by TSB limits or contribution caps
Key Rules Summary
| Rule | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Age requirement | At least ONE spouse must be 55+ |
| Maximum contribution | $300,000 per person / $600,000 per couple |
| Property ownership | 10+ years (either or both spouses) |
| Deadline | 90 days from settlement |
| Form required | NAT 75073 (before or with contribution) |
| One-time use | Yes — each person can only use downsizer once |
| Centrelink assessment | Normal super rules — assessed once over Age Pension age |
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Find a PlannerLast updated: 9 July 2026
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