SMSF loans for commercial property and refinancing Commercial property and refinancing for your SMSF
A self-managed super fund can still borrow to buy business real property, such as premises your own business leases. If your fund already has a residential property loan set up before 10 August 2026, it can usually be refinanced for the same property. We work alongside your SMSF accountant or adviser from the start.
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Who this suits
- Business owners buying premises through their SMSF
- SMSF trustees investing in commercial property
- Funds with a residential property loan set up before 10 August 2026 that want a sharper rate or a different lender
- Funds with a commercial property loan that's due for a review
When it may not be the right fit
- Buying residential property with borrowed money: from 10 August 2026, new SMSF borrowing arrangements must be for business real property (ATO).
- Taking cash out or changing the property when you refinance: a refinance needs to be for the same property, and bigger changes may count as a new arrangement. Talk to your SMSF adviser first.
How it works
- Advice firstYour SMSF accountant or adviser confirms the strategy suits your fund. We don't give super or tax advice.
- Check the numbersFund balance, contributions, the lease and the property, or your current loan if you're refinancing.
- StructureA new limited recourse borrowing arrangement usually needs a separate holding trust, set up before you sign the contract. A refinance keeps the structure you already have.
- Settle and reviewWe coordinate the lender, the trustee and your solicitor, then review the loan every six months.
Things worth knowing
Existing residential SMSF loans can still be refinanced
The ATO says the new rules don't apply when a fund that set up its borrowing arrangement before 10 August 2026 keeps or refinances it. It treats a refinance as a new loan for the same property, with the same or a new lender (ATO, checked October 2026).
New borrowing must be for business real property
That's property used wholly and exclusively in a business, such as an office, warehouse or shop. Your adviser confirms whether a property qualifies.
Lenders want a buffer in the fund
Most expect the fund to hold cash after settlement, not just enough for the deposit.
Leasing to your own business has rules
The lease must be on commercial terms. Your adviser will check this.
Documents you'll usually need
- The SMSF trust deed and investment strategy
- Two years of fund financials and tax returns
- Recent fund bank statements
- The contract of sale and lease details, or statements for the loan you're refinancing
- Photo ID for all trustees
We'll confirm exactly what your lender needs, so you don't gather anything twice.
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Questions
Can my SMSF buy a residential investment property with a loan?
Not with a new borrowing arrangement. From 10 August 2026, new SMSF borrowing arrangements must be for business real property (ATO). Commercial property is still possible.
Can my SMSF refinance its existing residential property loan?
Generally, yes, if the borrowing arrangement was set up before 10 August 2026 and the refinance is for the same property, with the same or a new lender (ATO). Check with your SMSF adviser before changing the loan amount or terms.
Can my SMSF buy my business premises?
Often, yes, as long as the lease is on commercial terms and the purchase fits the fund's investment strategy.
How much does the fund need?
It depends on the lender and the property. Most lenders want a meaningful deposit plus cash left in the fund after settlement.
General information only. It doesn't consider your objectives, financial situation or needs. Lending criteria, fees and charges apply.
Ready when you are.
Book a 20-minute call. We'll listen first, explain your options in plain English, and tell you what we'd do next.