SMSF lending

SMSF lending allows a self-managed super fund to borrow to purchase property under a limited recourse borrowing arrangement (LRBA), subject to strict superannuation and lender requirements.

SMSF loans operate very differently to standard home or commercial lending. There are specific rules around structure, documentation, cash flow and property type that must be met.

We provide credit assistance to help you understand how SMSF lending works, how lenders assess applications, and how the lending component can be implemented in line with regulatory requirements.

What are you looking to do?

SMSFs may be used to purchase residential investment property, subject to superannuation rules and lender criteria. These properties must be held solely for investment purposes and cannot be lived in by fund members or related parties.

We help explain how lenders assess residential SMSF purchases and what is required from a lending perspective.

SMSFs are commonly used to purchase commercial property, including premises leased to a related business under compliant arrangements.

Lenders assess commercial SMSF lending differently to residential, with a focus on lease terms, cash flow and fund structure. We help explain these requirements clearly and guide you through the lending process.

SMSF loans may be refinanced to review lender, pricing or loan structure, subject to LRBA rules and lender policy.

We help explain how refinancing works in an SMSF context and what considerations apply from a lending perspective.

Understand how SMSF lending works

SMSF lending is subject to strict limitations, including:

  • Limited recourse loan structures 
  • Higher deposit requirements 
  • Restrictions on property improvements 
  • Specific trustee, trust and bare trust requirements 
  • Stricter serviceability and liquidity assessments

We help you understand these rules from a lending standpoint, so you have clarity before proceeding.

How we support you

We support SMSF lending clients by:

  • Explaining SMSF lending structures and lender requirements 
  • Reviewing fund and property details from a lending perspective 
  • Coordinating documentation required by lenders 
  • Managing the application, approval and settlement process 
  • Working within required timeframes and compliance constraints 
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Working within your advice framework

SMSF lending is implemented as part of a broader advice framework. Decisions around financial and tax advice are considered within your Ironbark Advice team as part of your broader advice framework, while our role is limited to providing credit assistance and implementing the lending component.

Page last updated: 17 March 2026

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Important information

This content has been prepared by Cornerstone Financial Group Pty Ltd trading as Ironbark Advice, a Corporate Authorised Representative of LMG Broker Services Pty Ltd (ACN 632 405 504) Australian Credit Licence no. 517192. It contains general information only and does not consider your personal financial circumstances or needs. Before making any financial decision, you should consider obtaining professional advice. Any opinions expressed are the opinions of the authors at the time of posting, and do not constitute a recommendation to act. These opinions may change after an item is posted and no warranty of currency is provided. All information referenced is believed to be accurate at the time of compilation and is provided by Ironbark Advice in good faith. This content may contain information contributed by third parties. Ironbark Advice does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of any information contributed by a third party. No representation or warranty as to the quality, accuracy, reliability, timeliness or completeness of this material is made by Ironbark or its representatives. To the extent permitted by law, Ironbark Advice is not liable for any loss or damage arising because of a reliance placed on the contents of this page.