If you’re nearing or already in your 70s, you might be wondering how do my finances compare to other retirees?
Understanding the average net worth of a 70-year-old couple in Australia can give you a clearer picture of where you stand and what a financially secure retirement looks like.
Let’s break down what “net worth” really means, what the averages are, and how you can use that knowledge to strengthen your own retirement plan.
What Does “Net Worth” Mean in Retirement?
Your net worth is simply the total value of what you own minus what you owe.
Net worth = Assets – Liabilities
For retirees, assets usually include:
- Superannuation balances
- Property (family home or investment properties)
- Savings, shares, and term deposits
- Vehicles and personal assets
Liabilities might include:
- Any remaining mortgage
- Credit card balances
- Personal or investment loans
At age 70, most Australians have paid off their mortgage, meaning home equity and super make up the bulk of their wealth.
Average Net Worth of a 70-Year-Old Couple in Australia
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2023–24 Household Wealth Data, the median net worth for households aged 65–74 is approximately $1.15 million.
However, because couples often combine assets, the average net worth of a 70-year-old couple can range from $1.3 million to $1.8 million, depending on home ownership and super balances.
Here’s a breakdown by asset type:
| Asset Type | Average Value (Couple Age 70) |
|---|---|
| Home equity | $800,000 – $1,000,000 |
| Superannuation (combined) | $300,000 – $500,000 |
| Other investments (shares, savings, term deposits) | $100,000 – $200,000 |
| Vehicles, valuables & other assets | $50,000 – $100,000 |
| Total Estimated Net Worth | $1.3M – $1.8M |
Note: These figures represent averages many Australians have less, particularly those who rent, while some have considerably more if they hold investment properties or business assets.
The Biggest Factor: Home Ownership
The biggest driver of wealth at 70 is owning your home outright.
ABS data shows that retired homeowners have a median net worth nearly four times higher than renters.
- Homeowners (70+) – median net worth ~$1.4 million
- Renters (70+) – median net worth ~$340,000
Owning your home not only adds to your assets but also reduces ongoing expenses, freeing up cash flow for healthcare, travel, or leisure.
What Is a Comfortable Retirement in Australia – Learn what lifestyle, income, and savings levels define “comfortable.”
How Much Super Do I Need to Retire Comfortably – Explore how your super balance affects your retirement income.
How Superannuation Affects Net Worth at 70
Superannuation remains a key component of retirement wealth.
As of 2025, the average super balance at age 70 is:
- Men: ~$250,000
- Women: ~$200,000
- Couples (combined): ~$450,000
While many retirees draw down on super gradually, the balance at 70 can still form a significant portion of household wealth.
Tip: Keeping part of your super invested in an account-based pension can help maintain returns while providing regular income.
What Does a “Comfortable” Net Worth Look Like?
According to the ASFA Retirement Standard (2025), a comfortable retirement for a couple requires about $72,000 per year in income.
To generate that sustainably, most financial planners suggest total assets (including super, property, and investments) of at least $1 million to $1.2 million.
So if your combined net worth is in that range, you’re likely on track for a financially secure and enjoyable retirement.
Common Wealth Gaps Among Retirees
While averages are useful, not all Australians enjoy the same financial footing.
Some common challenges include:
❌ Super gaps between partners – often due to career breaks or part-time work.
❌ Low investment diversification – keeping too much in cash can limit growth.
❌ High living costs – particularly for those renting or still paying off a mortgage.
❌ Under-estimating longevity – retirees may outlive their savings if they draw down too quickly.
Addressing these issues early can help improve your financial resilience in your 70s and beyond.
How to Strengthen Your Net Worth After 70
Even in your 70s, there are ways to protect and grow your wealth:
✅ Review your super drawdown strategy – aim to withdraw sustainably while keeping investments active.
✅ Downsize strategically – selling your home and investing proceeds can unlock capital and boost retirement income.
✅ Access government incentives – such as downsizer contributions (up to $300,000 each) to super.
✅ Consolidate or simplify investments – reducing fees and complexity often improves returns.
✅ Plan for aged-care costs early – so future expenses don’t erode your net worth unexpectedly.
FAQs:
How much money does the average 70-year-old couple have in super?
Around $400,000–$500,000 combined, depending on employment history, gender, and whether both partners contributed consistently.
Does the family home count toward net worth?
Yes. Property is a major component of net worth and often the largest single asset retirees own.
What if we rent can we still retire comfortably?
Yes, but it’s harder. You’ll need a larger super balance or extra investments to cover ongoing rent, which can significantly impact annual expenses.
How does the Age Pension affect net worth?
While it’s not an asset, the Age Pension provides income security and reduces how much you need to draw from savings each year.
Is $1.5 million a good net worth at 70?
Yes that level of wealth generally supports a comfortable lifestyle for most Australian couples, especially if they own their home.
Know Your Number, Then Plan Around It
So, what is the average net worth of a 70-year-old couple in Australia?
Roughly $1.3 million to $1.8 million, including property, super, and savings.
But averages only tell part of the story. What matters most is whether your wealth supports your desired lifestyle, health, and peace of mind.
At Wealthlab, we help Australians in their 60s and 70s review their net worth, optimise their super drawdowns, and design strategies for financial freedom in later life.
👉 Book a free consultation today to make sure your retirement wealth is working as hard as you did.