SMSF property loans SMSF loans through a limited recourse borrowing arrangement
Use your self-managed super fund to buy business real property, such as your own business premises, through a limited recourse borrowing arrangement (up to 80% LVR, for new and established funds), or refinance an existing SMSF property loan.
Business real property · Refinancing existing loans · Up to 80% LVR
Two SMSF property paths
Whether you're refinancing an existing residential loan or buying premises for your business, we have a dedicated pathway for each.
Refinance an existing residential loan
New LRBAs for residential property ended on 10 August 2026. Loans in place before then continue and can still be refinanced.
What the change means →
Buy business real property
Buy the premises your own business operates from and lease it back, or invest in other property that meets the business real property test.
Explore SMSF commercial →How borrowing to buy property in super works
An SMSF property loan lets your self-managed super fund borrow to buy property through a limited recourse borrowing arrangement (LRBA). The fund takes out the loan to acquire a single asset, which is held in a separate holding trust until the loan is repaid. Rental income and growth accrue to the fund, and because the borrowing is "limited recourse", the lender's rights are restricted to that one asset — protecting the rest of your super if something goes wrong. From 10 August 2026, a new LRBA can only be used to acquire real property that is business real property; LRBAs entered into before then, including for residential property, continue and can be refinanced.
The appeal of property inside super
Tax-advantaged growth
Returns accrue in the concessionally-taxed super environment.
Take control
Choose the actual property your retirement savings are invested in.
Diversify your fund
Add property alongside shares and cash to spread your fund's risk.
A familiar asset
An asset class many Australians understand and trust.
From strategy to settlement
Set up the structure
Your SMSF and a separate holding (bare) trust are established to hold the property under an LRBA.
Get your loan assessed
We assess serviceability on the fund's income and the property's rent, then structure the loan to suit.
Buy a single asset
The SMSF purchases one property that is business real property, such as your business premises.
Repay & build wealth
Rent and contributions service the loan. Once repaid, title can transfer to the SMSF.
The key differences
Both let your SMSF own property, but the rules — especially around related parties — are very different.
| Residential investment | Commercial (business real property) | |
|---|---|---|
| Can a new LRBA be used to buy it (from 10 Aug 2026)? | No | Yes |
| Can you lease it to your own business? | No | Yes |
| Can your SMSF buy it from a related party? | No | Yes (business real property) |
| Who can rent it? | Unrelated tenant only | Unrelated tenant or your own business |
| Common use | Investment property | Own premises or investment |
| Maximum LVR (guide) | Refinance of existing loans only | Up to 80% |
SMSF lending at a glance
The standing basics for property lending in an SMSF. We'll confirm the finer detail with you directly based on your fund and the property.
Who lends to SMSFs, and what they look for
Most new SMSF loans are written by specialist non-bank lenders and mortgage managers. Many banks have stepped back from SMSF lending, so the lenders that remain each set their own rules on fund size, property type and structure. Greenline is a mortgage manager with its own SMSF loans as well as a broker across the SMSF lenders on its panel, which is why it can place funds and properties that others decline.
Whichever lender writes the loan, the assessment covers the same four things:
A mortgage manager that approves the deals others decline
Specialist SMSF expertise
We structure SMSF property loans day in, day out — business real property purchases, and refinancing existing residential and commercial loans.
We consider more locations
Metro, high-density and regional property that many lenders won't touch.
New & established SMSFs
We accept applications from brand-new funds as well as established ones.
Mortgage-manager flexibility
As mortgage managers we can structure the loan to fit your fund.
Frequently asked questions
What is an SMSF property loan?+
Can my SMSF buy both residential and commercial property?+
What is a limited recourse borrowing arrangement (LRBA)?+
How much can my SMSF borrow to buy property?+
What's the difference between SMSF residential and commercial lending?+
How does an SMSF loan work?+
Can I refinance an SMSF loan?+
Can my SMSF still get a home loan?+
Why are SMSF loan interest rates higher than home loan rates?+
Who are the SMSF lenders in Australia?+
Let's structure your SMSF loan.
Speak to a Greenline lender about buying business real property or refinancing an existing SMSF loan inside your self-managed super fund.
SMSF borrowing is complex and this page is general information only — it is not financial, tax, credit or SMSF advice and does not consider your objectives or circumstances. Consider the appropriateness of any strategy and seek advice from a licensed financial adviser, accountant or SMSF specialist before acting. Lending criteria and LVRs are a guide and subject to lender policy and approval.
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