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Buying Property Through Your SMSF? Can you BARE to trust it? (Bare Trust Deed)
Investing in property through your SMSF can be a powerful retirement strategy—but one paperwork mistake in your bare trust or LRBA documentation can lead to major tax and duty consequences. This article explains how SMSF bare trusts work, when your deed must be dated across different states and why synchronising your legal, accounting and lending team is vital for a compliant property purchase.
3 min read
Strengthening Your Credit Score: Why It Matters for SMSF Investors
Your credit score plays a vital role in your ability to secure SMSF finance, negotiate better rates, and support your investment strategy. Learn how common credit issues—defaults, late payments, and enquiries—impact loan eligibility, and discover proven steps to protect and repair your credit profile. Get expert tips for SMSF trustees to unlock better borrowing terms, safeguard fund growth, and strengthen your financial future.
4 min read
SMSF Commercial Property Investing Pros and Cons
Buying commercial property through your SMSF can deliver tax benefits, steady rental income, and long‑term growth — but it also comes with strict Australian Taxation Office rules and complex compliance steps. Learn how SMSF trustees can purchase and manage business real property, borrow through an LRBA, and structure investments correctly to build a stronger retirement strategy.
6 min read
Single Acquirable Asset: SMSF Property Investment Rules
When buying property through your Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) under a Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangement (LRBA), you must comply with strict rules around a “Single Acquirable Asset.” Learn what this means, what’s allowed, and how to stay compliant while investing in residential or commercial property within your SMSF.
3 min read
Sole Purpose Test in SMSFs Explained: What Trustees Need to Know
Understand the SMSF Sole Purpose Test, which ensures all fund actions and investments are solely for retirement or death benefits. Learn how it impacts compliance, investments, and trustee responsibilities.
2 min read
Understanding the First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS)
The First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS) provides a tax-effective way for first home buyers to save a home deposit via voluntary super contributions. Learn about eligibility, contribution limits, ownership exclusions, withdrawal rules, and how to maximise your savings with this government-backed scheme.
3 min read
Corporate Trustee vs Individual Trustee in SMSFs
Learn the differences between corporate and individual trustees for SMSFs, including legal responsibilities, administrative implications, and how each structure impacts compliance and retirement planning.
2 min read
Understanding SMSF Property Loans
SMSF property loans differ from standard home loans, with higher fees, stricter rules, and fewer features. Using a standard broker or applying directly to a lender can result in mistakes, penalties, and missed opportunities. Trustees must understand lender rules, liquidity, serviceability, and compliance requirements to protect their SMSF and long-term retirement savings.
3 min read
Compliant SMSF Investment Strategy
Learn how SMSF trustees can prepare a compliant investment strategy that meets ATO requirements. This guide covers diversification, risk assessment, liquidity, insurance considerations, and how to document your strategy to satisfy regulatory obligations.
3 min read
Corporate Trustee Benefits for SMSFs and Property Lending
Discover the benefits of a corporate trustee for your SMSF, including smoother membership changes, simplified governance, asset protection, and potential advantages when borrowing for property, as corporate trustees are generally assessed outside the NCCP framework.
2 min read
Related Party Loans and SMSF Property Borrowing
A related party SMSF loan occurs when the fund borrows from a member or associate. While these loans can be cost-effective, they require strict compliance with superannuation rules. Mortgage brokers can explain general SMSF loan mechanics and risks, but trustees should seek legal and accounting advice for structuring and compliance.
2 min read
The Journey of Buying Property in an SMSF
Buying property with your SMSF is a unique journey that involves specific legal structures and specialist finance. With major banks no longer offering SMSF loans, trustees must navigate niche lenders, varying loan policies, and strict compliance rules. This guide explains each step — from structuring your SMSF and setting up a bare trust, to applying for a loan, drafting contracts, and managing the investment property long term.
4 min read
Rules for Unlocking Equity in SMSF Property
SMSF members cannot release equity from fund properties for personal use or use SMSF property as security for other loans. Repairs and maintenance are allowed, but renovations or improvements must follow strict superannuation rules. Understanding these restrictions is critical to keeping your SMSF compliant and safeguarding retirement savings.
2 min read
Commercial Property in SMSFs: Why It Could Make Sense
Acquiring commercial property through an SMSF offers small business owners rental income, asset growth, and operational control. Related-party leasing on arm’s-length terms boosts super fund income while overcoming borrowing limits through LRBAs. Compounded rent increases highlight the financial advantage of ownership. With compliance and expert advice, SMSF commercial property investment can be a cornerstone of retirement planning.
4 min read
Understanding Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangements (LRBA) in SMSFs
A Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangement (LRBA) enables an SMSF to borrow to acquire an asset while restricting lender recourse to that asset. Trustees should understand LRBA mechanics, borrowing risks, and that lenders may require personal guarantees which can reintroduce personal liability. Professional legal and financial advice is recommended before entering into LRBA lending arrangements.
3 min read
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