CALL TODAY FOR LOCAL SERVICE!
FINANCE
How does downsizing your home affect your Age Pension eligibility?
with Age Pension Help
When Centrelink are assessing your assets for the Age Pension, your owned home which you live in is exempt. If you are considering downsizing, you might be concerned about how any proceeds from the sale will affect your eligibility.
What are the current rules? If there is a period where you have sold your home( after 01 / 01 / 2023), and you are living somewhere where you are not the owner, and you have not yet purchased a new property, any amount you intend to use for the purchase, construction, repairs or renovation of a new property are still exempt from the assets test.
This exemption can be applied for 24 months from the date of settlement, until the new property is purchased, or your intention to purchase changes. It is important to note that while the funds are exempt from the assets test, they still will be deemed at the lower deeming rate, which means your income test could be affected.
For the remainder of sale proceeds, not intended for or used for a new property, these will be treated as normal in the assets and income tests.
As you can tell, this is a complex transaction, which requires an understanding of all the risks and benefits.
Check out the information on moneysmart. gov. au, and if you are contemplating downsizing and considering your Age Pension, give me a call, 1300 222 484.
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
Ovenu Castle Hill sets a new standard for safe, professional oven care in the Hills
For a region known for its beautiful homes, busy family kitchens, and high expectations for service quality, the arrival of Ovenu Castle Hill is more than just another local business launch— it’ s the introduction of a proven, premium standard in oven and appliance cleaning service.
Ovenu has been operating in Australia for over 20 years, serving households nationwide since 2005. In that time, the brand has earned more than 9,500 five-star reviews, a testament to its consistency, professionalism, and results. Now, that same trusted expertise is available to residents across Castle Hill, Baulkham Hills, Kellyville, Bella Vista, and the wider Hills District.
What truly sets Ovenu apart is its commitment to safety and quality. Every technician is trained to ISO aligned processes, ensuring a level of precision and professionalism rarely seen in the home services industry. And unlike generic cleaning companies, Ovenu uses bespoke, noncaustic cleaning solutions developed
ARRIVAL
We’ ll arrive on time to examine your oven
SOAK
All removable components are put in to soak. exclusively for the Ovenu network. These biodegradable, fume free core products are unique to Ovenu— you won’ t find them on supermarket shelves or used by other operators.
This means no harsh chemicals, no corrosive fumes, and no risks to your family, pets, or appliances. Every clean involves a full dismantle of removable components, deep soaking in Ovenu’ s specialised heated tank, built into their vehicles, and meticulous hand detailing that restores ovens, cooktops, and rangehoods to a near new condition.
For Hills District households that invest in their kitchens and expect the same level of care from the professionals they welcome into their homes, Ovenu Castle Hill delivers a service built on trust, training, and two decades of proven excellence.
Bookings now open Appointments can be made online or by phone: Website: www. ovenu. com. au Phone: 1300 683 681 Email: enquiries @ ovenu. com. au
DEEP CLEAN
The rest of the oven is then deep cleaned.
POLISH
Your oven is re-assembled and polished to a shine.
We clean ovens... so you don’ t have to!
Call us today to have your cooking appliances sparkling, using our own eco-friendly products!
BEFORE
AFTER Over 9,500 5 star reviews!
Oven Cleaning & Detailing Service
CALL TODAY FOR LOCAL SERVICE!
AUSTRALIA’ S MOST TRUSTED OVEN CLEANING SERVICE FOR 20 YEARS NOW AVAILABLE IN THE HILLS
1300 683 681 www. ovenu. com. au
THE HILLS INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine. com. au ISSUE 131 // MAY 2026 11