Outlook Finance · SMSF

SMSF Lending

Buying property inside your Self-Managed Super Fund needs a Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangement and a lender who understands SMSF rules. We work with all the active SMSF lenders.

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The problem with SMSF lending

Most lenders exited SMSF lending years ago

When the major banks pulled out of SMSF lending around 2018, most brokers stopped talking about it. Trustees were left thinking SMSF property was no longer possible. It is — but only through a smaller pool of specialist lenders, and only with the right LRBA structure.

The Outlook way

We work with every active SMSF lender

We maintain relationships with the active SMSF lenders in Australia. We coordinate with your accountant on the bare trust setup, structure the LRBA correctly, and walk the loan from application to settlement. Residential SMSF, commercial SMSF, refinances all handled.

How it works

Three steps. Roughly 30 minutes.

1

Apply

Tell us your situation in a 2-minute online form, or call for a 10-minute chat. No documents needed yet — we just want to understand what you are trying to do.

2

Assess

We compare every product on our lender panel against your situation, then walk you through the 2-3 best options including realistic rates, fees, and turnaround times.

3

Approved

We package and submit the application, chase the lender, and keep you informed at every step. Most clients are unconditionally approved within 5-10 business days.

Frequently asked

Common questions about SMSF lending

What is an LRBA?+
A Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangement — the structure required when an SMSF borrows to buy property. The asset is held in a separate 'bare trust' on behalf of the SMSF, and if the loan defaults the lender can only claim the asset (not other SMSF assets). Setup is more complex than a standard home loan and needs your accountant or SMSF specialist involved early.
How much deposit does an SMSF need?+
Typically 20% deposit for residential property (80% LVR cap), 30%-35% for commercial property (65%-70% LVR cap). The deposit must come from existing super contributions — it cannot be borrowed personally and gifted to the fund. Plus you'll need 12 months of loan repayments in liquid SMSF assets as a buffer.
What's the rate on an SMSF loan?+
SMSF residential rates are typically 0.5%-1.5% above standard owner-occupied rates, reflecting the smaller lender pool and additional structure. Commercial SMSF sits 1%-2% above commercial owner-occupied rates. Rates are slowly improving as more lenders re-enter the market.
Can my SMSF buy a property I want to live in?+
No. SMSF property must be 'arms length' — purely an investment. You and related parties (spouse, kids, parents) cannot live in or rent the property. The exception is commercial property your business operates from — that's allowed at market rent under the 'business real property' rules.
Can I borrow to do renovations through the SMSF?+
You can use SMSF cash to do repairs and maintenance, but borrowing funds (the LRBA) cannot be used for improvements that change the character of the property. Replacing a kitchen with the same kitchen: OK. Adding a second storey: not OK with borrowed money. Your SMSF specialist accountant should advise before any work starts.

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Or call 1300 432 961 · Mobile 0481 712 907 · Email info@outlookfinance.com.au · Mon-Fri 9am-6pm AEST