As we enter the latter part of the 2020s, there is no doubt that experts see a changing picture of retirement. It’s been identified that we’re increasingly more active and more flexible about the way we view and experience retirement.
This means that the old set and forget super plan for retirement might need a new perspective as Australians work, help, learn and earn longer in our respective lives.
Here at Finwell Group we took the opportunity to research the current views on retirement to provide an overall picture for the interested reader.
It should be noted that all articles provide information that is general in nature and a personal conversation to review how it impacts your specific circumstances is the best way to set up your plans for this phase of your life.
Later in the article, we’ll give you a link for a complimentary review meeting with a Finwell Group expert. Take the opportunity. There is no cost or obligation, you have nothing to lose but a small amount of your time.
In the meantime, let’s look at how retirement is changing now and in the future in Australia.
Retirement is undergoing a complex transformation. The idea of a fixed “retire at 65 and relax forever” model is rapidly giving way to a more fluid, multi-stage life phase where work, leisure, community contribution and financial planning blend in new ways.
As we move through 2026 and look ahead to the next decade, several key trends are reshaping what it means to retire — with important implications for all of us.
Increasingly, Australians are choosing to not stop their job or business life abruptly. In fact, research from peak super industry bodies shows that many workers view retirement not as a finish line but as a gradual transition, often involving part-time or flexible roles well past traditional retirement ages. (reference ASFA – https://www.superannuation.asn.au/media-release/asfa-research-reveals-retirees-intend-to-stay-flexible-many-eye-part-time-work/)
To be a little more specific, this research shows that around a quarter (25%) of Australians aged 65+ who remain in the workforce plan to keep working for social engagement and intellectual stimulation, not just financial necessity.
This shift is partly cultural and partly about money. We are all living longer on average which means we need to fund a longer retirement. And we’re healthier for longer too. Our average retirement age is rising, which is partly being driven by changes in the labour market, but also our genuine preference to work longer.
Research shows that we’re phasing out work by reducing hours, or switching to freelance work, and sometimes we may even return to work after a brief period.
People are volunteering more with Aussies aged over 55 donating tens of billions of dollars in time helping others and care giving. (Australian Human Rights Commission – https://humanrights.gov.au/human-rights-education/stats-and-facts-about-discrimination/statistics-about-older-australians)
Volunteering offers purpose, community connection and a routine. Far from slowing down, retirees are becoming valuable assets in non-profit, community and advocacy sectors.
Our collective Superannuation system is among the largest in the world with trillions of dollars in assets.
But for the individual, a growing balance does not mean you can be overconfident, and many will still retire with insufficient financial support for their retirement years.
Aussies are aware of this and only a small percentage of us feel “very confident” about retirement. The problem is that there is often inaction on the part of these individuals to be proactively planning for it, despite their lack of confidence. (Proactive Investors – https://www.proactiveinvestors.com.au/companies/news/1083644/australians-more-upbeat-on-retirement-but-most-still-lack-confidence-mfs-survey-shows-1083644)
Retirement is no longer a single life stage; it’s a mosaic of experiences that blend financial security, personal fulfilment and ongoing contribution.
So perhaps this article is your wake-up call. Book that complimentary meeting and see where you are at.
At Finwell Group, we want you to have a stable retirement, and our team is ready to help you plan for it.
Give us a call on (03) 9017 3235 or email info@finwellgroup.com.au.
You can also visit our website to book that complimentary meeting finwellgroup.com.au.
General Advice statement
The information in this article is general in nature and does not take your specific needs or circumstances into consideration, so you should look at your own financial position, objectives and requirements and seek financial advice before making any financial decisions.
The team at Finwell Group has researched the views of experts in Australia about key property investment trends in the coming year. As we roll into 2026, now is the time for anyone interested in property to set their goals and start putting plans into action. Taken broadly, most experts predict strong property growth in 2026, driven by a combination of interest rate stability, persistent housing undersupply, growing first-home buyer demand, and tight rental markets. Predictions for Australian interest rates in the first half of 2026 are mixed, with some major banks like ANZ and Westpac forecasting an extended hold at the current cash rate (around 3.60%) due to persistent inflation, while others, including CommBank and NAB, have shifted to predicting one or even two rate hikes (potentially to 3.85%) by mid-year, driven by inflation staying above the RBA’s target. In 2026, property values across Australia’s combined capital cities are widely predicted by economists and real estate experts to continue rising to new record highs, albeit at a slower and more modest pace than in 2025. The consensus forecast is for an average national increase of approximately 6% to 8%. AMP forecasts place 2026 home-price growth at 8–10%, citing rising wages and expanded low-deposit schemes. Meanwhile, ANZ projects capital city home prices will rise 5.8% by the end of 2026. KPMG’s outlook suggests that dwelling approvals remain below needed levels — only about 160,000 new homes per year vs. a national target of 224,000. This under-supply, paired with strong demand, is expected to maintain pressure on prices. When it comes to the rental market & vacancy predictions, CBRE says that vacancy rates could tighten further, potentially dropping as low as 1.1% in capital cities, fueling strong rental inflation. For investors, CBRE also suggest that they expect solid yield prospects given that demand for rental stock will remain elevated. KPMG also predicts that unit prices may outpace house prices in 2026 as affordability drives more buyers toward apartments and townhouses. Moving our attention to emerging investment themes, many experts suggest that strategic areas to watch include infrastructure-led growth corridors, such as around new metro lines or transport hubs. Analysts also highlight value in mixed-use developments, sustainable design, and smart-home enabled properties — particularly near major infrastructure projects. There are risks in the property market, in that affordability remains a major challenge. High house prices and large deposit requirements could limit some demand. KPMG insists that investors also face an execution risk if construction doesn’t accelerate enough to relieve supply constraints. The bottom line is that 2026 looks favourable for property investors in Australia. With expected rate cuts, tight supply, strong rental markets, and structural demand, there’s strong momentum. But rising prices and affordability pressures mean investors may be especially well-positioned in high-yield, supply-constrained markets or by targeting apartments in growth corridors. To get more information about the property market, understand how it affects you and discuss your personal options, you can have a chat with one of Finwell Group’s senior consultants. Book a free and no-obligation review meeting to discuss your needs and to see how we can help you. Call us on (03) 9017 3235 or email info@finwellgroup.com.au
The Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) sector has long been dominated by older and wealthier Australians seeking to grow their retirement funds.
However, we are seeing an evolution, and SMSFs are now entering a period shaped by fresh regulations, generational change, and a renewed focus on control and flexibility.
One of the biggest forces shifting the SMSF landscape is the introduction of a new tax on super balances above $3 million. For the first time, unrealised gains are included when calculating the tax, which means that paper gains on assets like property or private investments can trigger real tax obligations.
For SMSFs that hold non-liquid assets — often prized for long-term stability — this change is raising new questions about cash flow and asset mix.
Trustees of larger funds may need to become more deliberate: rethink their strategies, review valuations more frequently, and run their funds with a sharper eye on liquidity.
At the same time, the transfer balance cap has increased, providing retirees with more flexibility to transfer funds into the tax-free retirement phase. Whilst it is not a dramatic change, it is enough to influence planning conversations and encourage a rethink of timelines for contributions.
Perhaps the most interesting development is related to demographics.
It turns out that younger Australians are entering the SMSF space faster than many expected.
Drawn by the promise of control, direct investment, and modern tools like ETFs and low-cost digital administration platforms, this new wave of trustees is rewriting the narrative.
SMSFs are no longer seen as a retirement-only vehicle. For many individuals under 40, they are coming to represent a hands-on wealth-building tool.
Regulatory scrutiny is increasing, particularly around the quality of advice given to new trustees. More and more people are turning to professionals for advisory help.
Larger funds — those over $3 million — may slow their growth or restructure, while smaller and mid-sized funds continue to flourish.
In 2026, the story of SMSF’s is one of evolution — a shift toward smarter, leaner, more deliberate self-management, driven by Australians who want to shape their retirement their own way.
You can book a free and no-obligation review meeting with a Finwell Group Senior Consultant to discuss your circumstances, understand if an SMSF is right for you and to see how we can help guide you. Call us on (03) 9017 3235, or email info@finwellgroup.com.au
Property investment has long been considered a core pillar of wealth building in Australia.
In recent times, high interest rates and cost-of-living pressures have kept many buyers on the sidelines.
However, in the last few months, conditions have tilted back in favour of investors, and as interest rates fall and property prices start to rise, that interest will only continue to heat up.
Inflation easing and rate cuts boosting sentiment
Australia’s inflation has come back from its post-pandemic peak. Headline inflation in recent months has settled around 3 per cent year-on-year. In 2025, the RBA has already cut its cash rate three times in February, May and August reaching the current level of just 3.60%. Lower interest rates mean cheaper borrowing costs. And that gives investors more capacity to borrow. With inflation no longer running hot, real interest rates are also lower by comparison.
The emotional effect is that buyers are more confident, and pent-up demand is now being released leading to prices starting to rise quickly.
Property prices have risen
In March 2025, following the first rate cut, Core Logic reported that Australia’s median dwelling value rose 0.4%, reaching a new record high of about A$820,331. More recently, in August 2025, national home values climbed 0.7% month-on-month. This represents the strongest monthly gain since May 2024. The market is seeing a tight supply of listings and renewed buyer demand. In the September quarter, according to MacroBusiness, core capital city values have grown by 2.3% (five-city aggregate) with Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide outperforming the average.
Property Investment looks attractive right now
For the astute investor, there is a compelling proposition. The combination of easing inflation, lower rates, improved sentiment, and ongoing shortage of housing supply is creating a “sweet spot” where capital gains and rental income are on the up. Supply constraints are real: new approvals have lagged, and many markets are undersupplied relative to population growth.
If you are interested in investing in property, it is important to look at your goals and the local dynamics to determine the best location and type of property that suits you.
Whilst demand heats up, it is recommended that now is the time to take advantage. You can book a FREE review meeting with one of Finwell Group’s senior consultants to review your circumstances and get your questions answered.
You may have only heard vaguely of a Self-Managed Superannuation Funds (SMSF) or already have an interest but want to know more about it, so we’re here to help.
An SMSF is a private super fund that you manage yourself, rather than leaving your retirement savings in an industry or retail super fund.
The main benefit of having an SMSF is obtaining control of your Super.
Members have the flexibility to choose their own investments, such as property (including borrowing through the fund), shares, term deposits, and even certain collectibles, rather than relying on the limited options available in standard funds.
This control allows for tailored investment strategies that may better align with members’ retirement goals.
You will have access to the same reduced tax rates of 15% that are available through standard industry super (as long as your self-managed super fund is a complying fund) in comparison to your personal income tax rate which could be as high as 45%.
The fund can have up to six members, all of whom are trustees (or directors of a corporate trustee), which means they are directly responsible for running the fund.
SMSFs can offer cost efficiencies for larger balances and enable families to pool their super into one fund.
However, with these benefits come responsibilities.
Trustees are legally responsible for complying with superannuation and tax laws. This includes ensuring the fund is audited annually, preparing accurate financial statements, and following strict rules around contributions and withdrawals.
Mistakes can lead to penalties or the fund losing its concessional tax treatment.
It is also important to note what an SMSF is not, which include:
- A way to access your super early
- How to avoid tax
- Take shortcuts with compliance.
It’s still a regulated superannuation fund under the ATO, and therefore there are strict rules and responsibilities.
Taking all this into account, you need to understand if an SMSF is right for you. Running an SMSF requires time, financial knowledge, and ongoing attention to regulatory changes.
For most people, this means they’ll need a financial planning expert to help fully understand everything about SMSF.
An SMSF can be a powerful tool if you have a strong super balance (often recommended to be at least $200,000), are confident in making investment decisions, and are willing to take on the administration or pay professionals to assist you.
If you prefer a hands-off approach, have a smaller balance, or are not comfortable with the compliance burden then an industry or retail fund may be more suitable for you.
Ultimately, setting up an SMSF should be based on whether the control and potential benefits outweigh the responsibilities for your situation.
Professional financial advice is strongly recommended before making this decision.
You can book a Complimentary Initial Review with one of the Finwell Group experts to review your circumstances, get your questions answered and understand if an SMSF is specifically right for you.
