Resources
Educational Tools & Insights for SMSF Property Investors
Explore our collection of resources designed to help you understand SMSF property investment and make informed decisions about your financial future.
Free Guides
SMSF Property Investment Guide
A comprehensive guide explaining how SMSFs work and how they can be used to invest in property. Perfect for those new to SMSF lending and property finance.
Tax Benefits of SMSF Property
Learn about the tax advantages of investing in property through your SMSF loan structure, and how to maximise these benefits within compliance regulations.
A Smarter Approach to Retirement Wealth
A step-by-step checklist outlining the key financial and regulatory considerations when setting up an SMSF, ensuring you don’t miss any important steps.
Financial Calculators
Borrowing Power Calculator
Estimate how much you may be able to borrow based on your income and expenses.
Refinancing Calculator
Calculate how much you could save by refinancing your current mortgage.
Property Investment ROI Calculator
Analyse the potential return on investment (ROI) for SMSF property purchases.
Retirement Calculator
Estimate your future super balance based on current savings, contributions, and projected returns.
SMSF Loan Calculator
Calculate potential loan repayments for SMSF property purchases, factoring in interest rates and borrowing terms.
Latest Articles
SMSFs and Property
Thinking about using your self-managed super fund (SMSF) to invest in property? This guide breaks down the rules, costs, borrowing options, and red flags to watch out for. Learn how to stay compliant,... ...more
SMSF
April 09, 2025•5 min read
Using an SMSF to Invest in Commercial Property
Understand the advantages and rules of using your SMSF for commercial property investment, including tax benefits and compliance. ...more
SMSF
December 02, 2024•3 min read
Self-Managed Super Funds vs Retail Super Funds: Which is Better?
Compare SMSFs and retail funds to understand their benefits, costs, and control levels, helping you decide the best option for your retirement savings. ...more
SMSF
November 28, 2024•2 min read
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an SMSF and how does it differ from a regular super fund?
A Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) is a private super fund that you manage yourself, unlike retail or industry super funds where professional fund managers make investment decisions.
SMSFs provide greater investment flexibility, including the ability to invest in property, but they also require strict compliance with superannuation regulations.
Managing an SMSF involves significant responsibilities, and we recommend working with financial professionals for proper structuring.
Can my SMSF borrow money to purchase property?
Yes! SMSFs can use Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangements (LRBAs) to purchase property, ensuring that the lender’s rights are limited to the property itself.
Proper loan structuring is essential to ensure compliance with superannuation laws.
What types of properties can an SMSF invest in?
An SMSF can invest in residential properties, commercial properties, industrial properties, and even agricultural land. However, strict rules apply:
❌ You cannot purchase a property from a related party.
❌ Fund members and relatives cannot live in or rent residential properties owned by the SMSF.
Commercial properties may be leased to a related business at market rates.
Ensuring compliance with these rules is crucial. Seek legal and financial guidance before proceeding.
What are the costs involved in running an SMSF?
Running an SMSF involves:
Setup Costs – Trust deed, legal fees, and ATO registration.
Annual Administration Fees – Compliance, auditing, and regulatory reporting.
Investment Costs – Property-related costs such as management fees and maintenance.
Estimated cost: $2,000 – $5,000 per year, depending on complexity.
SMSF Glossary
Understanding SMSF-related terminology is crucial for making informed decisions.
SMSF (Self-Managed Super Fund)
A private superannuation fund regulated by the ATO, where members control their investment decisions.
LRBA (Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangement)
A financing structure that allows an SMSF to borrow money to purchase property while limiting lender rights to the asset itself.
Bare Trust
A trust structure used in SMSF property lending where the property is held in trust until the loan is fully repaid.
In-Specie Contribution
Transferring assets (e.g., property or shares) into an SMSF instead of cash contributions.
Concessional Contributions
Super contributions made pre-tax, such as employer contributions and salary sacrifice (subject to annual caps).
Non-Concessional Contributions
Super contributions made after-tax (also subject to annual contribution limits).
Preservation Age
The age at which SMSF members can access superannuation benefits (typically 55-60 years depending on date of birth).
Diversification Strategy
A risk management approach where SMSF assets are spread across multiple asset classes to reduce risk exposure.
ATO Supervisory Levy
An annual fee charged by the ATO to oversee SMSFs and ensure compliance with superannuation laws.
Actuarial Certificate
A document required for SMSFs with a mix of pension and accumulation accounts, used to determine tax-exempt income proportions.
Segregated vs. Unsegregated Assets
SMSFs may segregate assets for different members (e.g., one member’s investments may be separate from another’s), affecting tax calculations.
