Invest in Property Through Your Super.
Competitive rates, dedicated loan specialists, and a streamlined approval process — for both residential and commercial SMSF property investment.
Choose Your SMSF Loan Type
Whether you’re investing in residential property or purchasing commercial premises, we have a specialist SMSF loan to match.
What Is a Residential SMSF Loan?
A Residential SMSF Loan allows your Self-Managed Super Fund to borrow money to purchase a residential investment property. The property is held within your SMSF as a long-term investment, with rental income and capital growth accruing inside your super fund — offering significant tax advantages compared to purchasing in your personal name.
How Does an LRBA Work?
All SMSF property loans are structured as Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangements under Section 67A of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993. The property is held in a separate bare trust during the loan term. “Limited recourse” means the lender’s claim in default is restricted to the property itself — your other SMSF assets remain protected.
What Is a Commercial SMSF Loan?
A Commercial SMSF Loan enables your self-managed super fund to borrow and purchase commercial property as an investment. The loan is structured as a Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangement (LRBA), meaning the lender’s recourse is limited to the property itself — your other SMSF assets are protected if the borrowing arrangement defaults.
Lease to Your Own Business
Unlike residential SMSF property — where related-party transactions are prohibited — commercial property held within an SMSF can be leased back to a member or their related entity. This means you can buy your business premises through your super fund and lease it back to your own company, paying rent into your SMSF rather than to an external landlord. The lease must be at arm’s length and market rate.
Key Loan Details
Indicative rates, LVRs, and product features across our residential and commercial SMSF loan types.
Feature
Details
Maximum LVR
Up to 80%
Loan Amount
$100,000 - $2,000,000
Loan Term
Up to 30 years
Interest Rate
From 6.59% p.a. (variable)
Repayment Type
Principal & Interest, or Interest Only (up to 5 years)
Repayment Frequency
Weekly, fortnightly, or monthly
Offset Account
Available
Additional Repayments
Permitted — no penalty
Security
First registered mortgage over the property held in bare trust
Benefits of an SMSF Loan.
Grow your retirement wealth through direct property investment — with significant tax advantages unique to the superannuation environment.
How the Process Works.
From your initial enquiry through to settlement, we manage the process and coordinate with your SMSF accountant at every stage.
Qualification Criteria.
Your SMSF must meet specific compliance and structural requirements before borrowing. Here’s what lenders and the ATO typically require.
- SMSF established for at least 12 months — your fund must have been operational and compliant for a minimum of 12 months prior to application.
- Minimum SMSF balance of $150,000 after settlement — your fund must retain at least $150,000 in net assets after the property purchase settles.
- Standalone residential dwelling only — the property must be an established, standalone residential dwelling. Off-the-plan purchases, vacant land, and construction loans are not eligible.
- Compliant trust deed and investment strategy — your SMSF trust deed must permit borrowing, and your investment strategy must contemplate property investment.
- No member or related-party occupation — the property cannot be lived in, rented to, or used by any fund member or related party. It must be held solely as an arm’s-length investment.
Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers.
Answers to the SMSF lending questions we’re asked most often by trustees and their advisors.
Can I live in the SMSF property?
No. Under superannuation law, residential property held within an SMSF cannot be lived in by any fund member or related party. The property must be held as an arm’s-length investment and leased to unrelated tenants at market rent.
What property types are eligible?
Eligible properties include established standalone residential dwellings such as houses, townhouses, and apartments. Off-the-plan purchases, vacant land, properties requiring significant renovation prior to settlement, and construction loans are not eligible under this product.
What happens if my SMSF can't make repayments?
Because the loan is structured as a Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangement, the lender’s recourse in the event of default is limited to the property held in the bare trust. Other assets within your SMSF are protected. However, default may have significant implications for your SMSF’s compliance status, so maintaining adequate cash reserves is critical.
Can I renovate the property?
Minor repairs and maintenance that preserve the property’s condition are permitted and can be funded by the SMSF. However, the SMSF cannot use borrowed funds to make improvements that materially alter the character of the property (e.g. adding a room or pool). Any improvements must be funded from the SMSF’s own available cash.
How long does the approval process take?
A typical SMSF loan approval takes 4 to 6 weeks from submission of a complete application. Timeframes can vary depending on the complexity of the SMSF structure, property valuation scheduling, and the responsiveness of third parties such as solicitors and accountants.
What fees are involved?
Fees typically include an application fee, valuation fee, legal documentation fee, and ongoing monthly account-keeping fees. A detailed fee schedule is provided in the Key Facts Sheet and Credit Guide prior to loan application. There are no penalties for making additional repayments.
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