Yes, Your Super Can Buy Property
Discover how thousands of Australians are using their Self Managed Super Fund to invest in property, and how you can too.
It surprises many Australians to learn they can purchase property using the funds in their superannuation.
With a Self Managed Super Fund (SMSF) you can use your super to invest in property.
Is Property Investment with Super Worth It?
Talk with an SMSF Advisor and with just one phone call, discover what's possible for your super.
It's true, you can do more with your super than invest in shares.
When you have an SMSF, you can invest in real property – an asset you understand and can see growing in real time.
There are two ways to make it happen, with different benefits depending on your goals and current super balance.
Consider which option could be right for you
Purchase outright using your
existing super balance
- Simple
- Lower set up costs
- High liquidity needed
- Commonly used for smaller* or business properties
Purchase with a loan taken out by your
self managed super fund
- Allows borrowing of funds
- Slightly higher set up costs
- Moderate liquidity needed
- Suited for growth strategies
Each approach offers a different path to growth, and our SMSF specialists can help you choose the structure that fits your strategy – ensuring it’s compliant, efficient, and built for long-term results.
The Rogerson Kenny Difference
When you work with Rogerson Kenny, you’re not passed around or left waiting for updates - you deal directly with Sarah Davie, our Associate Director and licensed SMSF specialist.
Sarah brings hands-on experience in SMSF strategy, compliance and administration – helping you make clear, confident decisions about your fund’s future.
Our clients value knowing their advisor personally – someone who understands their goals, tracks their progress and provides proactive guidance all year round.
Must have Guide to Setting up a Self-Managed Super Fund
Thinking About Starting an SMSF? Download Your Free Starter Guide
If you’re considering a Self Managed Super Fund (SMSF), this free guide from Rogerson Kenny Business Accountants is the perfect place to start. Designed for beginners, it explains what an SMSF is, how it works, the setup process and the key rules and responsibilities involved.
Inside you’ll find:
- A clear overview of SMSF structures and requirements
- Investment rules, options, and strategy tips
- Pros and cons to help you decide if an SMSF is right for you
- Step-by-step guidance on setting up your fund
- Expert insights from trusted, independent accountants
Download the SMSF Starter Kit now and gain the confidence to make informed decisions about your financial future.
Self Managed Super Funds Property Investment | Understanding Your Options
Buy Property Outright with Your Existing Super Balance
- SMSFs with sufficient cash or rollover funds
- Investors wanting a straightforward setup
- Those looking to buy business real property (like an office, warehouse or medical suite)
Key Rules:
- The property must fit your fund’s investment strategy (we can guide you with this)
- If residential, it can’t be lived in or used by members or relatives
- Rent and expenses must flow through the SMSF
This option requires a simple ownership structure, provides an immediate rental income to your SMSF and comes with fewer compliance layers than borrowing.
It’s worth noting that it also requires a significant cash balance and may reduce the diversification within the fund.
Buying a Property with an SMSF Loan
Use your super to borrow and grow your property portfolio. Your SMSF borrows money, under conditions called a Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangement, which is satisfied when the title of the property is held in a custodial trustee company on bare trust for the super fund.
This special structure allows for the lender to only have recourse on the property (and not your other super monies / assets), hence, the recourse by the lender in the event of failure is limited to the asset. Ideal for….
- Investors who want to leverage their super savings
- Funds that don’t yet have enough to buy outright
- People who want to build wealth through rental income and capital growth
Key Rules:
- The loan is secured only against the property – not your other SMSF assets
- Borrowed funds can be used to buy or repair, not improve the property
Borrowing the funds can get you into the property market sooner, meaning you benefit from rental income and growth inside your super fund sooner. By setting up an SMSF you maintain control of your investments and are not reliant on retail super funds.
It is worth considering that there will be stricter bank and compliance rules along with ongoing cash flow and liquidity requirements. It’s crucial that setup and documentation are done properly and professionally.
Rogerson Kenny, trusted SMSF accountants and licensed advisers, Melbourne based and servicing clients Australia wide
The above is a statement found in Rogerson's/Kenny email signature's. Regarding our business it couldn't be more prophetic. Our association with Mark and Corey from Rogerson/Kenny over the last 5yrs has saved us countless tens of thousands by using their "brains".
I can't rate their capacity and competency highly enough and this was proved again recently regarding a change with our business structure. The change was structurally and technically very complicated and challenging and if not for their expert services wouldn't have succeeded. Can't recommend them highly enough, my advice is to use their brain's by making the change today.
Start Your SMSF Journey Today
Simply submit your details and our team will be in touch soon. Alternatively contact Sarah Davie, Associate Director and SMSF Advisor now:
M. 0419 625 942
D. 03 8847 2538
E. sarah.davie@rogersonkenny.com.au
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Your expert SMSF Accountants and Business Advisors are here to guide your through the benefits of SMSF set up for business owners:
Why Set up a SMSF?
As a business owner setting up a SMSF gives you unparalleled control over your finances and ultimately, your future. With your own SMSF set up, you decide how your money is invested, giving you flexibility in your business and your personal financial and tax strategies. SMSF set up can help to ensure your overall financial position is in your control and is coordinated with your wider financial and business interests.
Additionally, setting up an SMSF empowers you to actively manage your superannuation so that it aligns with your overall business and wealth strategy, potentially providing greater long-term financial security. Setting up an SMSF gives you the freedom to implement tailored financial, estate and personal insurance solutions to enhance profitability, secure assets, protect your families future and drive sustainable growth for long-term business and wealth success.
Learn More Here
Do I need to have a good knowledge of investments to have a SMSF?
It is our experience that business owners have an understanding of how a legal structure works (like an SMSF) and at least a basic level of understanding investing. It is possible (and many clients do this) to outsource the investment function to a professional or indeed educate yourself.
You will need to prepare and implement an SMSF investment strategy for your SMSF and review it regularly. The investment strategy needs to reflect the purpose and circumstances of your SMSF and consider several factors.
Can I set up SMSF myself?
In a short answer, not really. You need a trust deed (which is a legal document setting out the rules of the SMSF), along legal documentation to appoint trustees and members and we also recommend you have a death benefit nomination form. You will also need to register the SMSF with the ATO and set up various registrations.
It is difficult without the right contacts and knowledge to establish an SMSF yourself (that is where Rogerson Kenny come in), however an SMSF is designed to operate it yourself. You will need to have some knowledge, time and skills to do it. This is where we can assist. As an SMSF trustee, you will need to spend time on:
- developing and implementing an investment strategy
- administration and record keeping, for example, meeting minutes noting trustee decisions
- completing financial statements and lodging tax returns or reports (which is a function Rogerson Kenny assist with)
We recommend you seek financial advice from a licenced financial adviser – specialising in SMSF set up. They can help review your existing investments and work out if an SMSF is suitable given your circumstances. Find out more here
Can I have insurances through my SMSF, like I do in my retail/industry fund?
An SMSF can hold all the insurances a retail / industry super fund can. An SMSF can hold life insurance, Total and Permanent Disability Insurance (TPD) for “any occupation” and Income Protection Insurance. An SMSF gives you the most flexibility for insurances and importantly, what can happen with insurance money when something occurs. This will be via a death benefit nomination form and can provide extraordinary flexibility.
SMSF trustees are legally obliged to consider insurances, as per their Investment Strategy. This however, does not mean insurance is compulsory, merely it needs to be considered. The SMSF trustees may deem that appropriate cover is held outside the SMSF or that insurances are not required.
We suggest you seek advice from an insurance professional when determining appropriate cover.
Is there anyone who can’t have a SMSF?
In most cases all members of a SMSF must be a trustee or a director of the trustee company. Anyone 18 years and over and not under a legal disability (i.e. Mental impairment or bankruptcy) can be a trustee unless they are a disqualified person.
A person is disqualified if any of the following apply:
- A person has been convicted of an offence involving dishonesty
- A person has been subject to a civil penalty order under the super laws
- A person is considered insolvent under administration
- A person in an undischarged bankrupt
- Has been disqualified by a regulator
If a person is any of these things, then they will likely be ineligible to be a trustee of a SMSF.
Can I buy property with my SMSF?
Your SMSF can buy any type of property that the trustees feel fits the investment strategy of their SMSF, however it is important to understand the specific rules that apply to owning and using a property that is owned by an SMSF.
This mean you can buy a commercial property, residential property, vacant land, farm land, etc. There are restrictions on use, with regard to property and SMSF. For example, if the SMSF owns residential property, a member of the SMSF or related party can’t use it (even if market rents are paid). The are exceptions to this rule, where if the property meets the definition of business real property, then if a commercial rent is paid, members of the SMSF or related parties, can use the property. This is commonly seen when an SMSF owns a factory and rents it to the business of one of the members of the SMSF.
Learn More Here
Who can help me prepare my strategy for my SMSF?
There is a legal requirement for the trustees to have an investment strategy for an SMSF.
An investment strategy can be for the SMSF as a whole, or for each SMSF member (depending on the risk tolerances of SMSF members).
An investment strategy is a document that sets out how you plan to achieve the SMSFs or SMSF member’s investment objectives. There is no prescribed format for an investment strategy (unless your trust deed says so), but it must reflect the purpose and circumstances of the SMSF and its members. An investment strategy is a fluid document that should be updated whenever circumstances in the SMSF change and should be reviewed regularly.
The SMSF investment strategy must consider diversification of assets, liquidity of the SMSF’s assets, insurance, the ability of the SMSF to meet the needs of SMSF members (ie. ability to pay a pension) and the ability of the SMSF to discharge its existing and prospective liabilities.
The trustee must prepare the investment strategy, but can take assistance from others, such as an appropriately licensed financial advisor.
Read more here
What can an SMSF invest in?
An SMSF can invest in a way that is often unavailable in most other super funds.
An SMSF can hold property, listed and unlisted shares, cash, artwork, gold and rare metals and other exotic or not-so-common investments. Some more exotic investments include horse semen, valuable guitars, wine, moon rock, classic cars.
The Sole Purpose (or core purpose) of your SMSF must be to provide retirement benefits to the members of the SMSF on retirement or benefits to a deceased members dependant or estate on the death of a member.
Investment rules and tight collectable rule for SMSFs are in place and regulated by the ATO to limit the risks that SMSF fund members are exposed to, to maintain / maximise retirement savings.
Learn More here
SMSF Set Up Process
Your SMSF needs to be set up correctly so that it’s eligible for tax concessions, can receive contributions and is as easy as possible to administer. Ultimately, it needs to be classed as a regulated SMSF by the ATO. The process of setting up a Self-Managed Superannuation Fund (SMSF) involves several key steps:
Appoint Trustees: Identify and appoint individual or corporate trustees for the SMSF.
Create a Trust Deed: Establish a trust deed outlining the rules and regulations governing the fund.
Obtain TFN and ABN: Obtain a Tax File Number (TFN) and an Australian Business Number (ABN) for the SMSF.
Open a Bank Account: Open a dedicated bank account for the SMSF to manage its financial transactions.
Make contributions and / or transfer existing superannuation balances to the SMSF.
Develop an Investment Strategy: Create a clear investment strategy in accordance with legal requirements.
Ensure Compliance: Familiarize yourself with and adhere to regulatory and compliance obligations.
Read and sign the ATO Trustee Declaration form: Ensuring all Trustees have an understanding of their obligations for managing an SMSF
Throughout this process, seeking professional advice from a SMSF specialists is recommended to ensure fund compliance and top ensure your investment strategy aligns with your financial goals.
Learn more about the pitfalls of incorrrect fund set up.
Speak with a SMSF Specialist today
How to set up a SMSF Australia
Setting up a SMSF in Australia involves several steps. First, appoint trustees and establish a trust deed. Obtain a Tax File Number (TFN) and an Australian Business Number (ABN) for the SMSF. Open a dedicated bank account for the fund and roll over existing super balances.
Key though is developing an investment strategy in line with your needs and the legal requirements.
Once this is all established, the necessary documents are then lodged with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). You should consider seeking professional advice throughout this process to ensures compliance and a smooth SMSF set up.
Get your guide to setting up an SMSF here.
Are SMSF set up cost tax deductible?
No, SMSF setup costs are not tax-deductible. Expenses such as the establishment of the trust deed, obtaining professional advice, and the costs associated with registering the fund with the ATO are generally not tax-deductible. They are a cost that is absorbed by the Fund with no tax benefit.
Ongoing operational and investment-related expenses are generally tax deductable immediately, however there may be some costs that are not tax deductible (ie initial financial planning advice) or can be claimed over time (ie borrowing costs associated with a limited recourse borrowing arrangement). It’s crucial to seek advice from a tax professional to understand the specifics of SMSF setup costs based on your individual circumstances.
Speak with a SMSF & Business Accounting Specialist today
Can I reimburse myself from my SMSF for the setup costs?
Yes you can. It is common to be required to pay for the setup of your SMSF. Clearly, this is before it would have any money in it. So, once funds are available in your SMSF, you can simply transfer the funds equal to the setup costs to yourself.
Work with an expert in SMSf set up for business owners.
How much do accountants charge for an SMSF?
The typical costs to operate a SMSF vary, depending on the complexity of the SMSF, which is usually defined by the number and type of investments, the number of transactions, the number of members and if they are in pension mode.
A simple SMSF may start from $1,500 + GST through to $4,000 + GST and beyond.
SMSFs also need to pay for an audit (usually organised by the accountant) and there is the SMSF ATO levy and if you have a trustee company, a fee to ASIC for the company.
Keep in mind with these costs, the fund becomes cost efficient as compared to a retail or industry super fund from around $300,000.
Get a personlised quote today
Rogerson Kenny Financial Services Pty Ltd, ABN 66 605 330 434 is a Corporate Authorised Representative Number 001009210 of Merit Wealth Pty Ltd ABN 89 125 557 002, Australian Financial Services Licence Number 409361.
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