SMSF loans — put your super to work in property

Looking to invest in property through your self-managed super fund? We arrange SMSF loans and help structure them the right way, working alongside your accountant and legal team — across the Gold Coast, Brisbane & Australia-wide.

Taking control of your retirement through an SMSF is a powerful strategy — but the lending side requires a specialised touch. Whether you're looking to purchase residential investment properties or commercial premises for your own business, we understand the complexities of Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangements (LRBAs).

What is an SMSF loan?

An SMSF loan lets a self-managed super fund borrow money to buy an investment property, using a structure called a Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangement (LRBA).

Under an LRBA, the property is held in a separate trust until the loan is repaid. "Limited recourse" means that if the loan can't be repaid, the lender's claim is limited to that single property — the fund's other assets are protected. The loan is generally serviced from the fund's rental income and contributions. An SMSF can use this structure to buy either a residential or a commercial investment property.

How does an SMSF loan work with BOC Finance?

We work closely with your accountant and legal team to ensure your SMSF and loan are structured correctly, meet all compliance requirements, and help you build a tangible property portfolio within your super. If you want to put your superannuation to work in the property market, we have the expertise to guide you through every step.

In practice, that means we compare the specialist lenders who offer SMSF loans, coordinate the moving parts with your advisers, and manage the loan application from start to finish. To be clear about our role: we arrange the loan — the financial, tax and superannuation advice comes from your own licensed professionals, and we'll always point you to them.

What can your SMSF buy?

An SMSF loan can be used for two main types of property:

  • A residential investment property — rented out at arm's length. Note that you, fund members and related parties generally can't live in or rent it.
  • Commercial premises — including a property that your own business operates from, which you can then lease from your fund at market rate. This is a popular strategy for business owners who'd rather pay rent into their own super than a landlord's pocket.

The rules around what an SMSF can and can't do are strict, which is exactly why we coordinate with your accountant and legal team — and why independent advice matters.

What to consider with an SMSF loan

SMSF lending is more specialised than a standard home or investment loan, so it's worth going in with eyes open.

There are fewer lenders in this space, the deposit and equity requirements are generally higher, and the fund needs enough to cover the deposit, costs and a sensible buffer for repayments. The structure has to be set up correctly from the outset, because getting it wrong can be costly and difficult to unwind. None of this should put you off — it simply means the right guidance is essential, and that's where a specialised broker working alongside your advisers earns its keep.

What you'll need to get started

To point you in the right direction, we'll usually talk through:

  • your SMSF details and trust deed,
  • the fund's financial position,
  • the property (or type of property) you're considering,
  • and your accountant's or financial adviser's details, so we can work together.

Our SMSF loan process, step by step

  1. Free chat — we get to know your goals and how your fund is set up.
  2. Coordinate — we work with your accountant and legal team on the right structure.
  3. Advice first — we recommend independent financial and tax advice before you commit.
  4. Compare — we look at the specialist lenders offering SMSF loans.
  5. Apply — if it's right for you, we manage the loan application.
  6. Settlement and beyond — your loans are in place, and we're here as your strategy evolves.

Why choose BOC Finance for your SMSF loan

You'll work directly with founder Antony Chan, who has over 2 decades of banking experience, including the specialised lending knowledge that SMSF borrowing demands. We're local to the Gold Coast and Brisbane, we work hand in hand with your existing advisers rather than around them, and our service is usually free to you.

SMSF loan FAQs

Can my SMSF borrow money to buy property?

Yes. A self-managed super fund can borrow to buy an investment property using a Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangement (LRBA), provided the fund and the loan are structured correctly and meet the relevant rules. We arrange the loan and work with your advisers to keep it compliant.

What is a Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangement (LRBA)?

An LRBA is the structure that allows an SMSF to borrow. The property is held in a separate trust until the loan is repaid, and the lender's recourse is limited to that property — so if the loan can't be repaid, the fund's other assets are protected.

Can my SMSF buy a commercial property for my own business?

Often, yes. SMSFs can hold business (commercial) real property, and your business can lease it from the fund — as long as it's done at market rate and meets the rules. Many business owners use this to build super while housing their own operations. Your advisers will confirm it suits your situation.

Can I live in a property my SMSF buys?

No. A residential property owned by your SMSF generally can't be lived in or rented by you, fund members or related parties — it must be a genuine arm's-length investment. Commercial property has different rules, which is part of what we'll help you navigate.

How much deposit does an SMSF loan need?

SMSF loans generally require a larger deposit than standard loans, and the fund needs sufficient funds left over to cover costs and provide a repayment buffer. The exact requirements vary by lender and your fund's position, so we'll work out a realistic picture with you.

Does BOC Finance give advice on setting up an SMSF?

No — that's the role of your licensed financial, tax and legal advisers, and we'll always recommend you speak with them. Our job is to arrange and structure the loan correctly, working alongside your professional team.

Ready to put your super to work?

Book a free, no-obligation chat, and we'll talk through your SMSF lending options — and coordinate with your advisers — wherever you are on the Gold Coast, in Brisbane or Australia-wide.

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