Want to use your super to invest? Here's what's still possible.

Using your super to invest in property is more possible than most people realise, and also more restricted than it used to be.

The rules recently changed: residential property purchases through a self-managed super fund (SMSF) are no longer possible for new acquisitions. But your super isn't off the table. You can still purchase commercial property through your SMSF, and if you already hold residential property in your SMSF, you can still refinance that loan. I'll walk you through exactly what's changed, what's still available, and what your fund can and can't do now, working alongside your accountant every step of the way so nothing slips through the cracks.

What is SMSF property lending?

A self-managed super fund lets you take direct control of how your retirement savings are invested, including into property, rather than leaving it entirely to a fund manager. Borrowing within an SMSF works differently to a standard home loan. It typically involves a limited recourse borrowing arrangement (LRBA), where the loan is secured only against the specific property being purchased, and a bare trust structure that holds legal title until the loan is paid off. Fewer lenders offer SMSF products compared to standard home loans, and the ones that do apply stricter lending criteria.

What changed under the May 2026 Federal Budget:

New residential property purchases through an SMSF are no longer permitted under current rules. If your SMSF already holds residential property purchased before the change, that arrangement is grandfathered, meaning your existing loan isn't affected and you can continue holding that property. What has changed is what you can do going forward: new residential purchases are off the table, but commercial property purchases remain available, and refinancing an existing residential SMSF loan is still possible.

New commercial property purchases through your SMSF:

If you're looking to grow your super through property, commercial property is now the primary path available for new SMSF purchases. This can include offices, warehouses, retail premises, or industrial property, and in some cases, your own business premises purchased through your fund. Commercial SMSF lending involves its own set of considerations: rental yield expectations, vacancy risk, and how the property fits within your fund's broader investment strategy and diversification requirements. I'll guide you through a single, straightforward SMSF lending transaction step by step, comparing the current lender panel and making sure the structure is right before you commit.

Refinancing existing SMSF residential loans:

If your SMSF already owns residential property, you're not stuck with whatever loan and lender you originally set up. You can still refinance that existing residential SMSF loan, potentially securing a better rate or a structure that suits your fund better, even though new residential purchases aren't available. I'll review your current SMSF loan against what else is available on the panel and manage the refinance process alongside your accountant to keep everything compliant.

Bare trusts and LRBAs:

A limited recourse borrowing arrangement (LRBA) means that if something goes wrong and the loan can't be repaid, the lender's recourse is limited to the specific property held in the SMSF, not the rest of your fund's assets. The bare trust holds legal ownership of the property until the loan is paid off, at which point ownership transfers to the SMSF. Getting this structure right from the outset matters, both for your fund's compliance and for how smoothly your loan application progresses. I make sure the sequencing between the bare trust, the loan, and the purchase contract is set up correctly from the start.

Working alongside your accountant:

SMSF lending sits at the intersection of finance and superannuation compliance, which is why I never work on an SMSF loan in isolation. I coordinate directly with your accountant and financial planner throughout the process, from confirming your fund's investment strategy allows for the purchase, through to making sure the loan structure meets both lending and superannuation requirements. This keeps your fund compliant and avoids the kind of costly mistakes that can happen when finance and super advice aren't properly connected. Please note, my license does not permit me to provide any superannuation or investment advice and you will need to seek this from your trusted financial planner.

Why work with me specifically:

Before mortgage broking, I spent years working at CBA, ING, and NAB which gives me a genuine understanding of how lenders assess risk, including the more complex risk profile of SMSF lending. I'm also a property investor myself, so I understand what you're actually trying to achieve with your fund, not just the mechanics of the transaction.

If you're considering a commercial property purchase through your SMSF, or want to review an existing SMSF residential loan, get in touch and I'll walk you through exactly what's possible for your fund right now.