SMSF loans for commercial property and existing LRBAs
Buying business premises, or refinancing a loan your fund already has? We set up the structure and refer you to SMSF lenders or brokers who fit the deal.
Three lending situations
New commercial purchase
An LRBA to buy offices, retail, industrial or primary-production property.
- Bare trust setup: $1,770
- Referral to a lender or broker
- Leaseback documentation
Refinance an existing LRBA
A better rate or term on a loan entered into before 10 Aug 2026, whether residential or commercial.
- Keep the balance at or below the current debt
- No equity release or cash-out
- We check it keeps its protected status
Related-party loans
A loan from you or your company for business real property, on the ATO’s safe harbour terms.
- PCG 2016/5 interest and LVR
- Written loan agreement
- Monthly repayments recorded
What SMSF lenders look at
The property
- Qualifies as business real property
- Lease term and tenant quality
- Location, zoning and valuation
- LVR commonly 60–70%
The fund
- Corporate trustee and a deed that allows borrowing
- Contributions and rent cover repayments
- Liquidity left after settlement
- Members’ ages and time to retirement
Will rent and contributions cover the loan?
Lenders test repayments at a higher rate than you will pay. Here is a worked example.
Example from the borrowing calculator defaults: $409,707 loan over 15 years, $42,000 rent, $35,000 concessional contributions (taxed at 15%) and $3,000 running costs. Income covers the assessed repayment 1.32 times.
SMSF lending questions
Why can’t I get an SMSF loan for a house any more?
The Treasury Laws Amendment (Tax Reform No. 1) Act 2026 limits new LRBAs to business real property from 10 August 2026. It applies to every lender, including related parties.
Can I refinance my existing residential SMSF loan?
Yes. Refinancing an LRBA entered into before 10 August 2026 is permitted. Keep the new loan at or below the existing balance and don’t add security or release equity.
Do you receive a fee for referring me to a lender?
We aren’t a lender or credit provider and we don’t give credit advice. We refer you to a lender or mortgage broker and we may be entitled to a referral fee if your loan goes ahead. Ask us and we’ll tell you the amount before you proceed.
Get a free borrowing assessment
Tell us about the property and your fund. We’ll tell you what’s possible.
1300 545 516My SMSF is not a lender or credit provider. We may receive a referral fee from lenders or brokers we refer you to. General information only, current as at 24 September 2026.