Helping Your Children Purchase Their First Home – DFK Everalls

For many Australian parents, assisting their children in entering the property market or reducing their debt is a commendable aspiration. This drive to support their children’s financial independence often brings up crucial decisions and considerations. Here’s what you need to think about if you’re looking to help your children purchase their first home or reduce their debt.

Key Considerations for Australian Parents

1. Prioritise Your Financial Safety: While it’s commendable to help your child, it’s essential to ensure that your financial well-being isn’t compromised. How can you help without jeopardising your financial stability?
2. Investment Properties: If you’re considering purchasing a property for your child to live in, consider the rental terms. Will you charge them market rent? Do you want to be able to negatively gear the property?
3. Joint Ownership: Being joint owners of the property is another option. Will your child live rent-free in your portion? When and how will your property interest transfer to them, and at what price? What conditions would trigger the property’s complete sale? It would be best to consider the associated stamp duty and Capital Gains Tax implications for all parties involved.
4. Gifting: You may be considering gifting money towards them purchasing the whole property in their name. However, how do you protect that gift if your child as family law or creditor issues in the future? If your circumstances change in the future and you need the “money back” for retirement or nursing home bonds, how will you address that?
5. Lending: When considering lending money, you must define the terms clearly. What will the repayment structure look like? Will you charge interest, and if so, how much? The goal is often to strike a balance – better returns than your current investments but more affordable than bank rates for your child.
6. Estate Planning: Assisting one child might mean adjusting your estate planning to ensure all children receive equitable benefits. How can you balance the assistance already given?
7. Mitigating Risks: It’s crucial to protect yourself and your investments. Consider strategies that prevent you from becoming a guarantor on their loan. Plan for contingencies where you might need the funds back for your expenses, nursing home fees, or safeguarding the investment from potential issues your child might face with family law or creditors in the future.

Navigating the complexities of helping your children buy their first home or alleviate their debt requires careful planning and expert guidance. Our team specialises in providing tailored strategies to meet these specific needs, ensuring you and your children benefit optimally from your investment. Contact us today, and let’s embark on this journey together, empowering your children to achieve these essential financial milestones.

Get in touch with DFK Everalls