Self-Managed Super Fund Loans

Utilising your superannuation to invest into property

What is a Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF)?

A Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) is a private superannuation fund that you manage yourself. Unlike retail or industry funds, you are the trustee (or a director of the corporate trustee) and make all investment and operational decisions.

Why do people set up a SMSF?

The information below is general in nature and does not constitute financial advice. Everyone's circumstances are different . We recommend speaking with a licensed financial adviser before making any decisions about your superannuation.

People set up a self-managed super fund (SMSF) for a range of reasons, though it's not the right choice for everyone.

  • Rather than having a large fund make investment decisions on your behalf, an SMSF allows you to make the investment decisions yourself. As a trustee, you decide where your retirement savings are invested and how they're managed. This is an appealing prospect for those who want a more hands-on approach to building their retirement wealth.

  • SMSFs open the door to a broader range of investments than most retail and industry funds provide. Beyond shares and managed funds, trustees can invest in assets such as direct property, physical gold, and private company shares

  • Property is one of the most popular reasons Australians consider an SMSF. Trustees can purchase residential or commercial property directly within the fund, and business owners may even have their SMSF purchase a commercial premises that their business leases at market rates (Strict rules apply, understanding the regulations is essential.)

  • Like all complying super funds, SMSFs benefit from concessional tax treatment. Trustees also have flexibility in how certain investment decisions are structured, which some use as part of a broader tax planning approach. Tax outcomes vary depending on individual circumstances, and professional advice is strongly recommended in this area.

  • Traditional retail superannuation doesn't automatically form part of your estate, making distribution planning an important consideration. An SMSF can offer greater flexibility in structuring death benefit arrangements, giving members more certainty about how their super is passed on compared to large public funds.

When should you consider a SMSF structure?

There is no hard rules about when someone can open up a SMSF and transfer their retail superannuation into their own SMSF. In general if you have more than $200,000 in your retail fund that may be a good time to consult a licensed financial advisor. Even if you’re not ready for a SMSF structure, speaking with a financial advisor can help you get to that position sooner.

Before opening up a SMSF, it is highly recommended you speak with a licensed financial advisor who holds a SMSF Specialist Advisor (SSA) accreditation. A SSA accredited financial advisor will be able to accurately conclude whether transitioning into a SMSF structure is right for you.

SMSF Loans, Done Right

SMSF lending is one of the most specialised areas of mortgage broking. A type of lending that most brokers simply won't touch. At Antigona Finance, we have the experience and the lender relationships to navigate the additional compliance requirements these loans demand, giving you a genuine path to property investment through your SMSF.

While the major banks have largely stepped away from SMSF lending, our panel includes a select range of lenders who actively support it. That means more options, better outcomes, and a broker who knows exactly how to structure your loan correctly from the start.

We focus on what we do best, securing your finance. For the accounting and financial advice required to establish and maintain your SMSF, we work alongside a trusted network of qualified professionals who specialise in exactly that. You can meet our partners here.

Interested in exploring SMSF lending? Fill out the contact form below and one of our brokers will be in touch.