I have three properties and $400k in super. Can I afford to retire?

July 12, 2026 — 5:01am

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Can I afford to retire? I turn 65 later this year. I own my home, along with two investment properties, one of which still has $130,000 owing. Rental income is around $40,000, and my defined benefit pension should be net $56,000 per year. I have $400,000 in super. Our household expenses including food etc are about $100,000.

You certainly look in a sound position. I imagine a significant portion of the rental income goes out in loan repayments and property running costs, but I would guess something like half of it would be available for you to spend.

That plus your defined benefit pension gets you to $76,000, which means you need to find $24,000 more. If this is drawn from your super fund, your drawing rate would be 6 per cent, which is quite reasonable. If you need extra funds later in life you can always offload the investment properties.

To be sure, you should get a financial........

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