SMSF Property Loans Sydney

SMSF property loans with the compliance built in

Residential and commercial property lending for self-managed super funds

SMSF property lending has rules that standard brokers rarely deal with. The loan must be a limited recourse borrowing arrangement, the property must be held in a bare trust, and fewer lenders offer SMSF loans than you might expect. We specialise in this space because getting the structure wrong creates problems that are expensive to fix.

SMSF property lending has rules that standard brokers do not deal with

If you are considering buying property through your SMSF, the lending side is more specialised than a standard investment loan. Fewer lenders offer SMSF loans, the structure must meet specific regulatory requirements, and getting it wrong can result in penalties or an invalid arrangement.

The loan must be a limited recourse borrowing arrangement (LRBA)

This is not optional. SMSF property loans must be structured as LRBAs under the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act. This means the lender’s recourse is limited to the property itself, not other assets in your fund. We ensure the loan is structured to meet this requirement.

The property must be held in a separate bare trust

The property cannot be held directly by your SMSF until the loan is fully repaid. It must be held in a separate trust (often called a holding trust or bare trust) for the duration of the loan. We coordinate with your SMSF adviser and solicitor to ensure this is set up correctly.

Fewer lenders means fewer options, and the criteria are tighter

Not all banks offer SMSF lending, and those that do have stricter requirements around loan-to-value ratios, property types, and fund balance minimums. We know which lenders are active in this space and what their current criteria are.

Your SMSF must be able to service the loan independently

The fund needs sufficient cash flow from contributions, rental income, and existing balances to cover loan repayments, property costs, and ongoing expenses. Lenders assess the fund’s capacity, not your personal income.

Compliance is not a one-off check

SMSF compliance requirements apply throughout the life of the loan, not just at the time of purchase. Renovations, repairs, and how the property is used all have regulatory implications. We help you understand these from the start so you avoid problems down the track.

SMSF property lending for different situations

Residential investment property

Buying a residential property through your SMSF as an investment. The property must be rented to a non-related party at market rates. It cannot be lived in by you, a family member, or any related party of the fund. We structure the LRBA and match you with lenders whose criteria suit the property and your fund’s position.

Commercial property investment

Purchasing commercial property (offices, retail, industrial, warehouses) through your SMSF. Commercial property in an SMSF can offer attractive yields and potential tax advantages. Lender requirements differ from residential SMSF lending, and we know the specific criteria that apply.

Business real property

Your SMSF can purchase commercial property that your own business leases. This is one of the few situations where a related-party transaction is permitted under superannuation law. The lease must be at market rates and on arm’s-length terms. We structure the lending and coordinate with your SMSF adviser to ensure the arrangement is compliant.

SMSF with existing property portfolio

If your fund already holds property and you are looking to add to it, or refinance an existing SMSF loan, the assessment becomes more complex. Lenders look at the fund’s total position, including existing loans, property values, and cash flow. We assess your fund’s capacity and identify realistic options.

Setting up an SMSF for property investment

If you are considering establishing an SMSF specifically to invest in property, we can discuss the lending side before you set up the fund. This helps you understand borrowing capacity, deposit requirements, and whether the numbers work before committing to the cost and complexity of establishing a self-managed fund. We recommend involving your accountant and financial adviser in this decision.

SMSF Property Loans Calculators

Our calculators give you a clear picture of what you can afford, your estimated repayments, and how much deposit you’ll need so you can move forward with confidence.

Explore Our Calculators

Here's what actually happens

The typical finance process from first conversation to settlement.

Discovery
Session

We discuss what you’re trying to achieve and your current financial position. No paperwork needed yet, just a conversation. It takes about 30 minutes.

Information Gathering

We work out what documents we need and explain why banks need them. You gather information while we assess your borrowing capacity.

Analysis & Recommendations

We analyse your position, present you with options that actually fit, and explain which lenders suit your situation and why.

Application
& Approval

We handle the paperwork, bank conversations, and keep you updated through each stage. You stay informed throughout.

Documentation
& Settlement

We coordinate with solicitors, manage the documentation process, and see your loan through to settlement. Usually 3-4 weeks from application to settlement, depending on complexity.