Self managed super fund loan

SMSF loans

SMSF property loans.
Refinance and commercial.

The 2026 rules changed what an SMSF can borrow for. We help with refinancing existing SMSF loans and commercial lending, and explain what still works. Your Sydney mortgage broker, 35+ lenders. $0 cost.

0426 002 202 Let's meet
35+
Lenders compared
10+
Years lending
220+
Suburbs served
$0
Cost to you

What can an SMSF still borrow for after the 2026 changes?

The rules for borrowing inside a self managed super fund changed in 2026. From 10 August 2026, a new SMSF loan can no longer be used to buy residential property. New SMSF borrowing is limited to commercial premises that qualify as business real property. Existing loans are grandfathered and can be refinanced, and an SMSF can still buy residential outright with the fund’s own cash.

Where we help now is refinancing existing SMSF loans and arranging commercial lending, comparing the lenders still active in this space across our panel, at $0 cost to you.

The 2026 rules

What can an SMSF do after 10 August 2026?

A quick at-a-glance guide to what changed and what still works. General information only, so confirm your own position with your adviser and accountant.

What you want to doAfter 10 August 2026
Take a new SMSF loan to buy residential propertyNo longer allowed
Refinance an existing SMSF loanYes, permitted
Keep an existing SMSF residential loanYes, grandfathered and unchanged
Buy residential with the fund's own cashYes, still allowed
Take a loan to buy commercial (business real property)Yes, still allowed
Exchange residential contracts before 10 Aug 2026Protected if the loan contract is also issued in time

Based on the Treasury Laws Amendment (Tax Reform No. 1) Act 2026, which received Royal Assent on 26 June 2026, with the residential borrowing ban commencing 10 August 2026. General information only. Confirm how it applies to your fund with your accountant and a licensed financial adviser.

Have an existing SMSF loan?

Tell us about your current SMSF loan and we will check whether refinancing stacks up, including any minimum term, and compare the lenders still active in the space. No cost, no pressure.

0426 002 202 Let's meet

MFAA member. 10+ years lending experience. $0 cost to you.

Why Buyvest

Why work with Buyvest on SMSF lending?

SMSF lending is specialised, and the space is changing. A broker who knows it, and works with your advisers, keeps it simple.

The active lenders compared

The SMSF lender panel is small and changing after 2026. We keep across who is still active and compare them so you are not stuck with one option.

Refinance done properly

For existing loans, we check the refinance maths, including any minimum term or break costs, so you only switch when it genuinely pays off.

Commercial know-how

Business real property lending is one of the pathways still open. We help business owners fund their own premises inside super, the right way.

We work with your advisers

We arrange the lending and coordinate with your accountant and solicitor on the trust and structure. The strategy stays with your adviser.

Inside lending experience

Ali Hasani spent 8+ years as a Senior Mobile Lending Specialist at one of Australia's big four banks. MFAA accredited, with a perfect settlement record.

$0 cost to you

The lender pays us on settlement, so your rate is the same either way. You get the comparison and the structuring at no cost. Meet Ali.

Refinancing an existing SMSF loan

Existing SMSF loans are grandfathered, and refinancing them is explicitly permitted under the 2026 changes. That is where most of our SMSF work sits now. You might refinance to a sharper rate, to better terms, or because your current lender has stepped back from the SMSF space. We compare the lenders still active and work out whether a switch leaves your fund better off.

One thing to check first: many SMSF loans are set up with a minimum term, often around three years, and refinancing earlier can trigger break or exit costs, sometimes several months of payments to the original provider. That can make an early refinance uneconomic, so the first thing we do is check where your loan sits against that term.

If you are past that point, or the saving outweighs the cost, refinancing can noticeably reduce what your fund pays. We run the numbers with you and coordinate with your accountant so the fund stays compliant through the switch.

Knowledge base

How SMSF property lending works

The building blocks of borrowing inside super, in plain English.

The LRBA

A limited recourse borrowing arrangement is the structure an SMSF borrows through. If the fund cannot repay, the lender’s claim is limited to the property in the arrangement, not the fund’s other assets.

The bare trust

A separate holding trust holds legal title to the property while the loan is repaid, with the SMSF holding the beneficial interest. Once the loan is cleared, the property can transfer to the fund.

Business real property

Real estate used wholly and exclusively in a running business, like a warehouse, office, or shopfront. This is what new SMSF borrowing is now limited to. Not all non-residential property qualifies.

Deposit and liquidity

SMSF lenders are conservative, so deposits tend to run higher, often around 20% to 30%, and the fund needs a cash buffer left over to cover repayments and expenses.

The arm’s length rule

Everything, the price, any lease, and the loan terms, must be on a commercial, arm’s length basis, as if between unrelated parties. It is a core compliance rule.

The single asset rule

Each LRBA generally funds a single acquirable asset, held in its own bare trust. Multiple properties usually mean multiple arrangements. Your accountant confirms the structure.

Buying commercial property through your SMSF

Commercial lending inside an SMSF is not affected by the 2026 changes, as long as the property qualifies as business real property. For business owners, this is one of the strongest pathways still open: your fund can buy the premises your business trades from, and lease it back to the business at market rent on arm’s length terms.

The key is the definition. Business real property generally means real estate used wholly and exclusively in a running business, a warehouse, an office, a shopfront. Not everything qualifies. Mixed-use property, vacant land, or anything with a residential element may need careful review before an arrangement is entered into, and that review sits with your accountant and solicitor.

Where it fits, we arrange the lending, compare the active lenders, and coordinate the bare trust and structure alongside your advisers. Whether the strategy suits your fund is a decision for your licensed financial adviser and accountant, not us.

How we help

What we do for SMSF clients

Refinance review

We assess your existing SMSF loan, check any minimum term and break costs, and compare active lenders to see whether refinancing leaves the fund ahead.

Commercial lending

We arrange finance for business real property, so your fund can buy the premises your business operates from, where it suits.

Navigate the lender panel

The SMSF space is small and shifting. We keep across who is still lending and match your fund to the right one.

Coordinate the structure

We work with your accountant and solicitor on the bare trust and loan setup so the pieces line up and the fund stays compliant.

Alongside your advisers

We handle the lending and leave the SMSF, tax, and retirement strategy with your licensed adviser and accountant, where it belongs.

Inside lending experience

Ali Hasani spent 8+ years as a Senior Mobile Lending Specialist at a big four bank. MFAA accredited, with a perfect settlement record.
Our story
How it works

Working with us on SMSF lending

1

A look at your situation

Whether it is an existing loan to refinance or a commercial purchase, we look at your fund, your current loan, and what you are trying to do, and flag anything to check with your advisers.
2

Compare and structure

We compare the active SMSF lenders, check the refinance maths including any break costs, and coordinate the bare trust and structure with your accountant and solicitor.
3

Settle and support

We manage the application through to settlement and stay on hand afterwards, so your fund is set up cleanly and reviewed as things change.
Free tools

Helpful calculators

General tools to help you think through the numbers. They are a guide only, not fund-specific advice.

Mortgage repayment calculator

Estimate repayments across different balances, rates, and terms.
Calculate

Property deposit calculator

Work through a deposit and upfront costs for a purchase.
Calculate

Home equity calculator

Considering your own property too? See your usable equity.
Calculate

SMSF property loans, SMSF loan refinancing, and commercial (business real property) lending inside super. LRBA, bare trust, and the 2026 residential borrowing changes explained, comparing the active lenders. $0 cost to you.

Client reviews

5.0 ★★★★★ on Google

★★★★★
"Ali is our trusted advisor for many years. He responds swiftly and honestly. He is the best in working out options for loans. He goes above and beyond to get the best outcome for the customers. I would recommend his services to anyone."
Verified Google review
★★★★★
"We recently used the wonderful service of Ali. What a wonderful experience it has been. He is very accommodating, very professional and very knowledgeable. We have been dealing with Ali on and off for the past few years and have definitely seen that his clients are his priority."
Verified Google review
★★★★★
"Ali is super knowledgeable, reasonable and personable! He will be realistic with what's possible but always find you the best deal whilst making you feel looked after. Would highly recommend to anyone!"
Verified Google review
FAQ

SMSF loan questions

Plain-English answers on SMSF lending after the 2026 changes. General information only, not financial advice.

Can my SMSF still borrow to buy property?
It depends on the property. From 10 August 2026, an SMSF can no longer take out a new loan to buy residential property. It can still borrow to buy commercial property that qualifies as business real property, and it can still buy residential outright with the fund’s own cash. Existing loans are unaffected. This is general information, so confirm your position with your adviser and accountant.
What changed for SMSF property loans in 2026?
The Treasury Laws Amendment (Tax Reform No. 1) Act 2026 banned new SMSF borrowing for residential property from 10 August 2026. New SMSF borrowing is now limited to business real property, which is commercial premises used in a running business. Existing loans are grandfathered and can be refinanced, and cash purchases of residential are still allowed.
Can I refinance my existing SMSF loan?
Yes. Existing SMSF loans are grandfathered, and refinancing them is explicitly permitted, whether to a sharper rate or a different lender. This is the main way we help SMSF clients now. We compare the lenders still active in the space to find the best fit.
Should I refinance my SMSF loan now?
Maybe, but there is one thing to check first. Many SMSF loans are set up with a minimum term, often around three years, and refinancing earlier can trigger break or exit costs, sometimes several months of payments to the original provider. That can make an early refinance uneconomic. The first thing we do is check where your loan sits against that term, then work out whether the switch pays off.
What is an LRBA?
A limited recourse borrowing arrangement, or LRBA, is the structure an SMSF uses to borrow. The loan is limited recourse, meaning if the SMSF cannot repay, the lender’s claim is limited to the property held in the arrangement, not the fund’s other assets. It requires a separate bare trust to hold the property.
What is a bare trust, and why do I need one?
A bare trust, sometimes called a holding trust, holds legal title to the property while the SMSF loan is being repaid, with the SMSF holding the beneficial interest. It is a legal requirement for any SMSF property purchase funded by an LRBA. Once the loan is repaid, the property can transfer to the SMSF. Your accountant or solicitor sets this up.
Can my SMSF buy commercial property?
Yes. Commercial property borrowing inside an SMSF is not affected by the 2026 changes, as long as the property qualifies as business real property. This is one of the main pathways still open, and it is a common one for business owners buying their own premises.
What is business real property?
Business real property generally means real estate used wholly and exclusively in a running business, like a warehouse, office, or shopfront. Not all non-residential property qualifies: mixed-use, vacant land, or property with residential use may need careful review. Your accountant and solicitor confirm whether a specific property meets the definition.
Can my SMSF buy my business premises and lease it back?
Yes, this is a well-used strategy. Your SMSF can buy business real property and lease it back to your business at market rent, which must be on arm’s length terms. It is not affected by the 2026 changes. Whether it suits your situation is a question for your adviser and accountant.
Can my SMSF still buy residential property at all?
Yes, but not with a new loan. From 10 August 2026 an SMSF can still buy residential property outright using the fund’s own cash, it simply cannot borrow to do so. If you have the balance to buy without a loan, the change does not affect you.
What happens to my existing SMSF residential loan?
Nothing changes. Existing arrangements are grandfathered, so you are not required to sell or refinance, and the loan continues on its terms. You can also refinance it if a better deal is available, subject to any minimum term on your current loan.
I exchanged contracts before 10 August 2026, am I affected?
It depends on whether the borrowing was also in place, not just the property purchase. To be protected, the loan contract generally needs to be issued as well, not only the purchase contract exchanged, before the ban commences on 10 August 2026. Where the arrangement is genuinely in place in time, settlement can still happen afterwards. It is worth confirming exactly where you stand early.
How much deposit does an SMSF loan need?
SMSF lenders are generally more conservative, so deposits tend to be larger than a standard loan, often in the range of 20% to 30% depending on the lender and the property. The fund also needs enough liquidity left over afterwards. We work through the numbers with you.
What are the liquidity rules for SMSF property?
Lenders and good practice expect the fund to keep a cash buffer after the purchase, so it can cover loan repayments, expenses, and member obligations. The exact level varies by lender. This is one area where your accountant and adviser guidance matters.
Can I live in or rent to family a property my SMSF owns?
No. A residential property owned by your SMSF cannot be lived in or rented by you or your relatives, it must be kept at arm’s length. Business real property leased to your own business is the exception, at market rent. These rules are strict, so confirm with your adviser.
Are SMSF loan rates higher?
Usually a little higher than standard home loans, because fewer lenders offer them and the structure is more complex. The gap varies, and with fewer lenders in the space after 2026 it pays to compare. We check the active lenders for you.
Which lenders offer SMSF loans in 2026?
A smaller group than for standard home loans, mostly non-bank and specialist lenders, and the panel may narrow further after the residential changes. That makes comparing what is available more important, not less. We keep across who is still active in the space.
Do you provide financial advice on SMSFs?
No. We are a mortgage and finance broker, so we arrange the lending. Whether an SMSF suits you, and any super, retirement, or tax strategy, is a decision for a licensed financial adviser and your accountant. We work alongside them.
What costs are involved in an SMSF loan?
Beyond the deposit, expect lender fees, the bare trust setup, legal and conveyancing costs, and ongoing fund administration. Refinancing can also carry break or exit costs if you are within a minimum term. We map out the full picture before you decide.
Can I use an SMSF loan for both commercial and residential?
New borrowing is now limited to business real property, so a new residential SMSF loan is not available from 10 August 2026. If you hold an existing residential SMSF loan, it stays in place and can be refinanced. Commercial remains open for new lending.
How long does an SMSF loan take?
An SMSF purchase usually takes longer than a standard loan because of the trust setup and the extra checks, often several weeks. A refinance of an existing loan can be quicker. We manage the moving parts to keep it on track.
What is the arm's length rule?
SMSF investments must be made and maintained on a commercial, arm’s length basis, as if between unrelated parties. That covers the purchase price, any lease, and the loan terms. It is a core compliance rule, and your accountant and adviser help you meet it.
Should I use a mortgage broker for an SMSF loan?
It helps, because SMSF lending is specialised and the lender panel is small and changing. We compare the active lenders, handle the structure alongside your accountant and solicitor, and for existing loans we check the refinance maths including any break costs. It costs you nothing, since the lender pays us on settlement.
Is an SMSF right for me?
That is not a lending question, and we will not pretend otherwise. Whether an SMSF and property inside it suit your situation depends on your balance, your goals, and your risk appetite, which a licensed financial adviser and your accountant are the right people to assess. Once that is settled, we arrange the lending.
Where to next

What else can Buyvest help you with?

Explore our other services and guides.

Refinance your loan

Learn more

Investment property

Learn more

Using equity

Learn more

Buying your next home

Learn more

Self employed loans

Learn more

Debt consolidation

Learn more

Guarantor loans

Learn more

Bridging loans

Learn more

LVR guide

Read guide

Bank valuations

Read guide

Choosing finance

Read guide

Pathways to ownership

Read guide

SMSF lending, made clear.

Refinancing an existing SMSF loan or buying commercial inside super? We compare the active lenders, check the numbers, and work alongside your advisers. $0 cost.

0426 002 202 Let's meet

General information only, not financial advice. MFAA member.

SMSF loan and refinance support for trustees across 220+ Sydney suburbs and Australia wide. Meet our team. Service regions: Sydney CBD, Sydney Central, Eastern Suburbs, Northern Beaches, North Shore, Inner West, Sutherland Shire, Hills District, St George, Canterbury-Bankstown, Western Sydney, Penrith.