Buy property
with SMSF

1. Establish your SMSF (we do)

2. Set up a bare trust, if borrowing (we do)

3. Get SMSF Financing (you do)

4. Buy the Property

Yes. Your SMSF can borrow through a structure called an LRBA (Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangement). It lets your fund take out a loan to buy property, while protecting your other SMSF assets.

It’s a smart way to invest, even if you don’t have the full amount saved in super.

Most SMSFs can borrow up to 70% of the property’s value, and in some cases, up to 80%, depending on the lender and the type of property (residential or commercial).

Each lender has its own lending criteria for SMSFs, so it’s important to work with someone familiar with SMSF loan structures.

Keep in mind: your SMSF must also have enough liquidity to cover the deposit, stamp duty, legal and setup costs, and initial loan repayments. Planning ahead ensures your fund remains compliant and financially healthy throughout the process.

Yes, you can add more money to your SMSF to help with the purchase (within the annual contribution limits).

Many people do this to top up their fund for a deposit or reduce their loan amount.

For the 2024–25 financial year, the superannuation contribution caps are:

• $30,000 per year for concessional (pre-tax) contributions

• $120,000 per year for non-concessional (after-tax) contributions

If you haven't used your full concessional cap in previous years, you may be able to carry forward unused amounts.

To be eligible to carry forward unused concessional caps:

• Your total super balance must be under $500,000 as at 30 June of the previous financial year

• You can carry forward unused caps for up to 5 years

Yes, absolutely.

If your mortgage broker has access to lenders that offer SMSF loans, you're welcome to work with them to arrange finance for your fund’s property purchase.

We are completely independent — we do not recommend specific loan products or receive any commissions or referral fees from brokers or lenders. Our focus is solely on helping you stay compliant and confident throughout the SMSF process.

If your SMSF is borrowing to buy a property, then yes you’ll need a bare trust.

It holds the property on behalf of your SMSF until the loan is repaid. This setup is legally required and helps keep everything compliant with the ATO.

Bare trust with company trustee: $1,590

Bare trust only: $890

Yes, up to six people (like couples, family) can join one SMSF and pool their super. It’s a great way to boost buying power and make investing in property more achievable.

Yes, you can buy land and develop a property in SMSF. You will need to have enough funds in your SMSF to cover the purchase and development costs.

If your SMSF borrows the money to buy property, this property can NOT be developed.

There are other ways to buy and develop property in a SMSF which you can contact us about.

$1,490 with a company trustee