SMSF LENDING IN SYDNEY
SMSF loans for commercial property & refinancing
Compare SMSF loan options for qualifying commercial property purchases and eligible residential or commercial refinancing with FirstPoint.
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Cronulla team
Important eligibility update
FirstPoint does not arrange new residential SMSF property purchase loans.
START WITH YOUR LOAN PURPOSE
Which SMSF lending option are you exploring?
Choose the option that best matches your situation. We’ll help you understand lender requirements, costs and next steps.
PURCHASE
01
Commercial SMSF property loans
Finance qualifying business real property through a limited recourse borrowing arrangement.
REFINANCE
02
Commercial SMSF refinancing
Review your current rate, fees, repayment structure, loan term and lender fit.
ELIGIBILITY REVIEW
03
Residential SMSF refinancing
Assessment for eligible residential SMSF loans already in place before 10 August 2026.
PERSONALISED ASSESSMENT
Request an SMSF loan review
Tell us about the transaction. A FirstPoint broker will review your lending position and contact you about suitable next steps.
✓ No-obligation initial conversation
✓ Participating-lender comparison
✓ Clear explanation of costs and trade-offs
COMMERCIAL PROPERTY PURCHASES
Commercial SMSF property loans
An SMSF commercial property loan can help a self-managed super fund finance qualifying business real property through an LRBA.
What counts as business real property?
The land and buildings generally need to be used wholly and exclusively in one or more businesses. A commercial listing description is not enough by itself.
Before signing a contract or establishing a holding structure, obtain advice from an SMSF-experienced solicitor, accountant and licensed financial adviser.
PROPERTY TYPES MAY INCLUDE
01
Offices & professional suites
✓
02
Warehouses & industrial units
✓
03
Retail shops & showrooms
✓
04
Medical & consulting premises
✓
05
Workshops & business premises
✓
06
Qualifying primary-production property
✓
COMMERCIAL PROPERTY PURCHASES
Review an existing SMSF loan
Refinancing does not automatically produce a better outcome. We compare eligible options and explain costs and trade-offs.
COMMERCIAL
Commercial SMSF loan refinancing
Review your rate, fees, repayment structure, term, lender service, property value, lease details and servicing position.
EXISTING LOANS ONLY
Residential SMSF loan refinancing
FirstPoint can assess refinancing for eligible residential SMSF loans already in place. Qualification depends on the original arrangement, proposed refinance and lender policy.
WHY FIRSTPOINT
Specialised lending, made clearer.
FirstPoint has helped clients navigate lending since 2004. Our role is to assess the credit position, compare suitable options and help present a well-prepared application.
Tailored assessment
Based on the purpose, fund and property.
Eligible lender comparison
Rates, fees, requirements and policy fit.
Adviser coordination
Working with professionals you appoint.
Settlement support
From application through settlement.
A CLEARER PATH FORWARD
Our SMSF loan process
1
Understand the purpose
Confirm the transaction, property, current loan and timing.
2
Assess readiness
Identify likely requirements and finance-related gaps.
3
Compare loans
Consider policy, rates, fees, servicing and fit.
4
Coordinate advisers
Work with your appointed professional team.
5
Submit and manage
Manage the application through settlement.
WHY FIRSTPOINT
How lenders assess SMSF loans
Each lender applies its own credit policy. There is no universal deposit, minimum balance, borrowing amount or approval timeframe.
✓ Trust deed and trustee structure
✓ LRBA and holding-trust documents
✓ Fund assets, liabilities and liquidity
✓ Contributions and history
✓ Rental income and lease terms
✓ Property use and marketability
✓ Loan-to-value ratio
✓ Repayment capacity and exit strategy
DOCUMENT CHECKLIST
Documents you may need
- SMSF trust deed and variations
- Trustee and holding-trust details
- Investment strategy
- Financial statements and returns
- Bank and member statements
- Evidence of contributions
- Existing loan statements
- Contract, lease and property documents
- Valuation or rental appraisal
- Business financials where relevant
SMSF LOAN ESSENTIALS
Understand the structure before you borrow
What is an SMSF loan?
Property borrowing is generally structured as an LRBA. The property is held in a separate holding trust while the SMSF holds the beneficial interest.
Buying business premises
An SMSF may be able to acquire qualifying business real property at market value and lease it to a related business, subject to applicable rules.
SMSF rates and costs
Rates vary by property, purpose, LVR, fund and lender. Consider valuation, legal, holding-trust, advice, discharge and administration costs.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Common SMSF lending questions
The team at FirstPoint Mortgage Brokers with over 950+ 5 star google reviews are considered one of the best SMSF mortgage brokers in Sydney. With over 20 years of experience in lending and hundreds of SMSF applications processed the team at FirstPoint Mortgage Brokers are considered SMSF lending experts. They can assist with residential SMSF refinancing along with Commercial SMSF refinancing and purchasing.
Greg Collins, Jonathan Harris and Chris Pryer at Firstpoint Mortgage Brokers are experts when it comes to SMSF lending. Based in Cronulla in the Sutherland Shire the award-winning team pride themselves of providing solutions for borrowers looking to either refinance or purchase property in an SMSF under a limited recourse borrowing arrangement.
Many brokers will facilitate both standard home loan lending and SMSF lending. The team at FirstPoint Mortgage brokers in Cronulla do have a dedicated SMSF lending department and can assist with all your SMSF lending needs. With an in-depth product knowledge and a wide range of lenders contact the team at FirstPoint Mortgage brokers on 02 9527 2230.
A mortgage broker can assist with comparing SMSF property loans to meeting your needs and objectives. Whether it’s the refinance of a residential or commercial SMSF loan or you require funding to assist with an SMSF commercial purchase contact a mortgage broker with experience in SMSF lending. The team at FirstPoint Mortgage Brokers are experts in SMSF lending.
Not a requirement however a good idea to utilise a mortgage broker with experience in SMSF lending. There are many variables when it comes to SMSF lending between lenders i.e. max LVR’s, interest rates, policies regarding superannuation contributions,
eligible postcodes and borrowing capacity. Speaking with a mortgage broker who specialises in SMSF lending would be beneficial.
Yes, a mortgage broker can help with facilitating the finance for an SMSF property purchase. NOTE – there have been recent changes stating the SMSF’s can only purchase property under a limited recourse borrowing arrangement where the purchase property is a commercial property.
You can borrow under a limited recourse borrowing arrangement (LRBA) in your SMSF. Only commercial property can be purchased under an LRBA in your SMSF following recent regulatory changes. Typically, lenders can lend up to 80% of the commercial asset value with the remaining contribution to come from the borrower’s superannuation fund. Servicing of the loan ongoing is typically done via the borrower’s superannuation contributions/earnings along with the property rental income received.
Further, you can also refinance SMSF Residential and SMSF Commercial loans in an under a LRBA with various lenders.
A mortgage broker can assist with funding a property through an SMSF. The team at FirstPoint Mortgage Brokers in Cronulla have a wide range of lenders to assist with facilitating the refinance or purchase of a property under a limited recourse borrowing arrangement.
It varies from lender to lender however typically a 20% deposit + stamp duty is required as a deposit when purchasing or refinancing an SMSF loan. Note policies vary from lender to lender however some lenders will have a liquidity requirement in their policy also. This relates to having a certain amount of surplus cash in the fund following the purchase as part of their policy. This liquidity requirement varies from lender to lender.
There are a wide range of lenders that offer loans for purchasing property through an SMSF. Purchasing property via a limited recourse borrowing arrangement is only available for commercial property after the recent ban on LRBAs for residential SMSF purchase. Commercial SMSF lenders include but not limited to:
- Liberty Financial
- Firstmac
- Pepper Money
- Redzed
- La trobe
Yes, SMSF interest rates are different to normal investment loan rates. Typically, the rates are higher when borrowing in your SMSF via a limited recourse borrowing arrangement. Additionally, there are fewer lenders that offer SMSF loans and it is worth speaking to a broker with in depth knowledge of the SMSF finance market to help navigate the right deal for you. Chris Pryer, Greg Collin, Ethan Tudjman and Greg Collins from FirstPoint Mortgage Brokers are experts in SMSF lending
No, recent regulatory changes have now banned SMSF’s from purchasing a property under a limited recourse borrowing arrangement (LRBA)
Typically, a mortgage broker will request the following documents before applying for an SMSF loan:
- - Last 2 years superannuation statements
- - Recent SMSF loan statements (if seeking to refinance)
- - Income evidence (either payslips or tax returns depending on whether PAYG or self Employed, rental income, evidence ofany other income sources)
- - SMSF Deed of Establishment (if established)
- - A mortgage broker will share a fact find document. Best to have a good understanding of your income, Assets and Liabilities and living expenses
- - Identification
Yes, you can refinance both a residential SMSF property loan or an SMSF Commercial loan. There are various lenders with very competitive deals. If you haven’t reviewed your SMSF loan recently it is worth requesting an SMSF loan review. The team at FirstPoint Mortgage brokers can assist with an SMSF loan review.
Yes, an SMSF can buy a commercial property via a limited recourse borrowing arrangement (SMSF). There are various lenders in this space all with different policies and interest rates, a specialist mortgage broker like Chris Pryer, Greg Collins or Jonathan Harris at FirstPoint Mortgage Brokers can assist with a pre-approval to purchase a commercial property in an SMSF.
Yes, your SMSF can be used to purchase the commercial property your business operates out of. We see this structure frequently and is common in the commercial SMSF lending space. An example of this is a plumber wanting to purchase the commercial factory he operates out of in his SMSF. This can be facilitated provided all lending requirements and regulatory requirements are met.
The team at FirstPoint Mortgage Brokers are experts in Commercial SMSF lending. The team, operating out of their head office in Cronulla however dealing Australia wide. FirstPoint Mortgage Brokers can facilitate both in person or online/remote meetings to facilitate your commercial SMSF finance needs. 950+ google reviews and over 20 years' experience with an in-depth knowledge of the commercial SMSF lending market. Contact FirstPoint Mortgage Brokers on 02 9527 2230
Don't Just Take It From Us, Our Customers Are Our Biggest and Best Advocates
SMSF loans in Sydney
Take Control of Your Super with SMSF Property Investment
At FirstPoint Mortgage Brokers, we empower Australians to take control of their retirement savings through strategic property investment using a Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF). Whether you’re looking to purchase a residential investment property or a commercial space for your business, our team of SMSF lending specialists is here to help. You can also check out our: How Much Can I Borrow, which is everything you need to know about your borrowing power and what affects the borrowing power.
With over 625,000 SMSFs now active in Australia and more than $63 billion in property assets held under Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangements (LRBAs), SMSF lending is no longer niche; it’s a powerful wealth-building strategy.
Commercial SMSF Lending
Commercial property investment through SMSF is ideal for business owners and investors seeking higher yields and long-term capital growth. FirstPoint brokers specialise in structuring commercial SMSF loans that align with your business and retirement goals.
Also, visit our business loan page to see options: Business Loan
Key Features:
- LVR: Up to 70% for commercial properties
- Interest Rates: Typically, 7.44% – 8.09% p.a.
- Loan Terms: 15 to 25 years
- Liquidity Buffer: 15–20% of loan amount
Additional Documentation:
- Business financials (2 years)
- BAS statements
- Lease agreements
- Professional property valuation
- Exit strategy documentation
Commercial SMSF lending requires more rigorous documentation and compliance. Our team ensures your application is complete, accurate and tailored to lender expectations.
SMSF Specialist Services
SMSF lending is complex, but with FirstPoint, it doesn’t have to be. Our SMSF specialists provide end-to-end support, from fund setup to settlement, ensuring your investment is structured correctly and remains compliant.
Key Features:
- SMSF loan structuring and strategy
- Coordination with accountants and financial advisers
- Bare Trust and corporate trustee setup
- Legal and conveyancing support
- Deposit bond solutions for off-the-plan purchases
- Refinancing and rate comparison
We understand the nuances of SMSF lending, from liquidity buffers to stress testing and help you navigate every step with confidence.
Why Choose FirstPoint Mortgage Brokers for SMSF Lending?
With major banks exiting the SMSF lending space, working with a specialist broker is more important than ever. We provide access to competitive products, flexible structures, and expert advice that banks simply can’t match.
Feature
- Lender Access
- Product Knowledge
- Compliance Support
- Cost Optimisation
- Service Model
Feature FirstPoint SMSF Specialists Bank Direct
- 15+ SMSF lenders
- SMSF-specific expertise
- Full SMSF guidance
- Fee and rate comparison
- Works for you
Bank Direct
- 1 lender only
- General lending
- Basic loan compliance
- Fixed structure
- Works for the bank
Understanding SMSF Lending
Market Snapshot:
- Super Guarantee Rate: 12% (as of July 2025)
- Liquidity Requirements: 10–20% of property value must remain in the fund
- Lender Landscape: Big 4 banks no longer offer SMSF loans
- Compliance: Enhanced ATO scrutiny and documentation standards
Strategic Tips:
- Opt for a corporate trustee to access better rates and higher LVRs
- Budget for liquidity buffers to meet lender requirements
- Engage SMSF specialists early to avoid costly compliance errors
- Consider fixed rates to manage interest rate volatility
SMSF Loan Refinancing
Already have an SMSF loan? You could be missing out on better rates and terms. FirstPoint offers refinancing solutions that reduce costs and improve cash flow.
Benefits of Refinancing:
- Lower interest rates
- Improved loan terms
- Access to new lenders
- Enhanced liquidity management
We compare your current loan against the latest products and help you switch seamlessly.
Also, visit our refinancing home loan page: Refinancing home loan
SMSF Lending Checklist
Before applying for an SMSF loan, ensure you have:
- Minimum $150,000–$200,000 in combined SMSF balances
- Stable super contribution history
- SMSF Trust Deed and Bare Trust setup
- Rental appraisal and contract of sale
- Professional adviser network (accountant, lawyer, broker)
- Clear investment strategy and exit plan
Start Your SMSF Lending Journey Today
Whether you’re buying your first SMSF property or expanding your portfolio, FirstPoint Mortgage Brokers is your trusted partner in SMSF lending. Our team of experts will guide you through every step, from strategy to settlement, ensuring your investment is compliant, profitable, and aligned with your retirement goals.
Contact us today for a free SMSF lending consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Knowledgeable. Trusted. Invested.
- FHSS: Designed for first-home buyers; simple structure; limited to voluntary contributions.
- SMSF: Allows buying investment property only; you cannot live in it or rent it to family. Offers more control but requires setup and compliance.
SMSFs enjoy concessional tax rates (15% on income, 0% in retirement phase), but there are risks like liquidity issues and compliance penalties.
Setup costs can range from $2,000–$5,000, with annual compliance and audit fees adding $1,000–$3,000+.
What happens if I breach SMSF rules (e.g., living in the property)? Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
Severe penalties apply, including disqualification as trustee, tax penalties, and forced sale of the asset.
