Business owners
Your fund buys the premises your business uses and leases them to the business at market rent.
SMSF loans for business premises.
Since 10 August 2026, a self-managed super fund can no longer borrow to buy residential property. It can still borrow under a limited recourse borrowing arrangement to buy business real property, such as premises your business operates from. Existing SMSF loans continue, and can usually be refinanced. We arrange the finance and work alongside your accountant and financial adviser.
Who it suits
Commercial investment
Offices, shops, warehouses or factories used wholly and exclusively in a business.
Existing SMSF loans
Refinancing an SMSF property loan taken out before 10 August 2026 to a better rate.
How it works
- Your financial adviser or accountant confirms that property suits your fund. We don't give advice on super.
- We confirm the property is business real property and check the fund's balance and income against lender rules.
- The bare trust (holding trust) is set up before you sign the contract.
- We arrange approval and coordinate with the fund's solicitor and accountant.
- After settlement, rent and repayments flow through the fund.
What lenders look at
- That the property is business real property
- The fund's balance and how much stays in reserve after the purchase
- The lease, rent and contributions to cover repayments
- A single asset, bought through a bare trust
- A larger deposit than a normal loan, often 30–40%
Good to know
Residential borrowing has ended
From 10 August 2026 an SMSF can't enter a new loan to buy a house or apartment. Contracts exchanged by 9 August 2026 and existing loans are protected. A fund can still buy residential property with its own cash.
Refinancing an existing loan
A straight refinance of an existing SMSF residential loan is generally allowed. Taking extra money out or changing the security could count as a new arrangement, so check with your adviser first.
Get advice first
Whether to borrow in super is a financial advice question. Speak to a licensed financial adviser before you start.
Common questions
Can my SMSF still borrow to buy a house or unit?
No. New SMSF borrowing for residential property has been banned since 10 August 2026. You can still buy residential property in your own name, or your fund can buy it with cash.
What counts as business real property?
Broadly, land and buildings used wholly and exclusively in a business, such as your own office, shop or warehouse. Your accountant or adviser should confirm this for the specific property.
I already have an SMSF residential loan. Can I refinance?
Generally yes, as a straight refinance of the existing debt. Increasing the loan or changing the property could be treated as a new arrangement, so talk to us and your adviser first.
Related
General information only, not credit, tax or financial advice. Every lender has its own criteria and approval is never guaranteed.
Talk to us about smsf loans.
Free, no-obligation chat in person, by phone or by video.