Baby Boomers – When Down sizing Becomes a Disadvantage

COUNCIL WATCH FLEURIEU INC.
Accountability with Integrity

Special Governance Edition (4-3-2026)

Baby Boomers-When Down sizing Becomes a Disadvantage

Recent reporting has focused on how Victor Harbor’s request to be excluded from Labor’s proposed stamp-duty exemption for down sizers over 60 may affect incoming retirees.

But there is another side to this story — one that directly affects the people who already live here.

What About Our Own Residents?

Many long-term Victor Harbor residents live in:

• larger family homes
• homes built for raising children
• properties no longer suited to ageing in place

As health, mobility or life circumstances change, down sizing is not a lifestyle choice.

It becomes a necessity. That might mean-

• moving to a smaller unit locally
• transitioning into more manageable housing
• or relocating closer to major medical services in Adelaide

The proposed stamp-duty exemption was designed to make that transition easier.

But Victor Harbor Asked To Be Left Out

Council has formally requested that Victor Harbor be excluded from the exemption.

If granted, this would not just deter new retirees.

It would also mean local residents over 60 could be denied the same financial relief available elsewhere.

In practical terms this meas that a long-time Victor Harbor resident who needs to sell and move either within the town or toward metropolitan medical care could face thousands of dollars in additional transaction costs.

Simply because of where they live.

A Local Mobility Penalty – Down sizing is often driven by:

• declining health
• reduced mobility
• financial sustainability
• proximity to support networks

Removing access to a stamp-duty concession creates a structural barrier to that transition. This is not about attracting or discouraging outsiders but it is about whether existing residents are free to adapt to life’s realities or are financially constrained by geography.

The Unintended Consequence

The request was framed around managing demographic balance, but the outcome may be that Victor Harbor seniors are treated differently from seniors in neighbouring communities.

Not because of income, not because of need, but because of location.

The Question For Our Community

Should long-standing residents face additional costs when making necessary life transitions? Or should policy recognise that down sizing is often about health, independence and dignity, not lifestyle preference? Because sometimes the biggest policy impact isn’t who comes in… It’s whether those already here can move forward.

 Terry Andrews (Chair)

Council Watch Fleurieu Inc.

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