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“Biju from Indus Mortgages made my home-buying experience smooth and stress-free. He explained everything clearly, kept me updated at every step, and went above and beyond to secure the best deal.”
SMSF property loans from an Australia-wide mortgage broker
General information on using a self-managed super fund to invest in property. Because the rules are complex and change regularly, this page is an overview only.
SMSF Overview
A structured way to invest your retirement savings in property.
A self-managed super fund (SMSF) is a private superannuation fund that you manage yourself. Unlike retail or industry super funds, an SMSF puts trustees in direct control of investment decisions, including the option to hold commercial property as a fund asset.
When an SMSF wants to borrow to buy a property it cannot pay for outright, it does so through a specific structure called a limited recourse borrowing arrangement (LRBA). This keeps the borrowed asset separate from other fund assets, limiting the lender's recourse if the loan defaults.
SMSF lending is a specialist area. Not all lenders offer it, the rules around what an SMSF can buy are strict, and the legal and tax implications require professional guidance specific to your situation.
Trustees weighing up an existing arrangement should read our article on when refinancing your mortgage actually makes sense, since the same break-cost maths applies to a loan already inside the fund. If you are a business owner funding contributions, the piece on how being self-employed affects your mortgage application explains how lenders read your financials. Outside super, our investment property loans and commercial and business loans pages cover the alternatives.
Talk to Biju About SMSF
What You Should Know
Key areas to understand
What is an SMSF?
An SMSF is a superannuation fund with up to six members who are also its trustees. Trustees are responsible for all investment decisions and for ensuring the fund meets its legal obligations under Australian superannuation law.
Borrowing Inside an SMSF
An SMSF can borrow to purchase a property using a limited recourse borrowing arrangement. The property is held in a separate bare trust until the loan is repaid. The lender's recourse is limited to that asset alone, not the broader fund.
Commercial Property is the Focus
SMSF lending is most commonly used for commercial property, including offices, warehouses, retail, and industrial premises. Residential SMSF lending is heavily restricted under current regulations and in practice is very difficult to arrange through mainstream lenders.
Who Can the Fund Buy From?
SMSFs can purchase business real property from a related party (such as a business you own), which is one of the main reasons business owners use this structure. Purchasing residential property from or for a related party is not permitted.
Trustee Responsibilities
Running an SMSF is a significant responsibility. Trustees must meet ongoing compliance requirements including audits, tax returns, and investment strategy documentation. Breaches can attract substantial penalties from the ATO.
Why Professional Advice is Essential
Before setting up an SMSF or entering into an LRBA, you need advice from a qualified accountant or SMSF specialist, a financial adviser, and a solicitor. The rules are detailed, the costs of getting it wrong are high, and your retirement savings are at stake.
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What our clients are saying.
Real reviews from real South-East Queensland families we've helped through their mortgage journey.
“Thanks to Biju for assisting us to buy our new house. When speaking with him it’s always like talking with a friend. Answers promptly to the calls, though he is busy at times. Highly recommended.”
“Excellent service. Biju guided us through every step and helped us secure the best option for our home loan. Thanks for the great support.”
“Biju is a very approachable adviser. He did his part very well right from the start. Regular follow-up from him helped us a lot. All the best to Biju and the Indus Mortgages team.”
“We had a truly wonderful experience with Indus Mortgages as we pursued our dream home. Their friendly approach in discussing the banking process, coupled with their genuine advice, instilled great confidence in our decision.”
“Thank you Indus Mortgages for advising me and helping to land my first home. So responsive and patient throughout my journey. Highly recommend Biju for advice.”
“We are thankful to Biju for assisting us to buy our first home. The service provided was excellent. Biju is always approachable, knowledgeable and proactive.”
“I had a great experience with Indus Mortgages. Really helpful for the refinancing of my home loan. Highly recommended.”
“Biju from Indus Mortgages made my home-buying experience smooth and stress-free. He explained everything clearly, kept me updated at every step, and went above and beyond to secure the best deal.”
“Thanks to Biju for assisting us to buy our new house. When speaking with him it’s always like talking with a friend. Answers promptly to the calls, though he is busy at times. Highly recommended.”
“Excellent service. Biju guided us through every step and helped us secure the best option for our home loan. Thanks for the great support.”
“Biju is a very approachable adviser. He did his part very well right from the start. Regular follow-up from him helped us a lot. All the best to Biju and the Indus Mortgages team.”
“We had a truly wonderful experience with Indus Mortgages as we pursued our dream home. Their friendly approach in discussing the banking process, coupled with their genuine advice, instilled great confidence in our decision.”
“Thank you Indus Mortgages for advising me and helping to land my first home. So responsive and patient throughout my journey. Highly recommend Biju for advice.”
“We are thankful to Biju for assisting us to buy our first home. The service provided was excellent. Biju is always approachable, knowledgeable and proactive.”
“I had a great experience with Indus Mortgages. Really helpful for the refinancing of my home loan. Highly recommended.”
General Information Only
The information on this page is general in nature and does not constitute financial, tax, legal, or investment advice. SMSF lending rules, lending policies, and superannuation regulations change regularly and your individual circumstances will affect what is possible and appropriate for you. Before taking any action, you should speak with us about your borrowing options and seek independent advice from a qualified accountant, SMSF specialist, financial adviser, and solicitor.
Thinking about SMSF property finance?
Book a no-obligation consultation with Biju. He can walk you through what is possible, refer you to the right specialists, and help you understand the lending side of any SMSF property strategy.