Understand the fund
We look at its financial position, income, contributions and available liquidity from a lending perspective.
SMSF LENDING
SMSF loans in Queensland.
SMSF property lending starts
with the right structure.
The fund, the property, the borrowing structure and lender policy all need to fit together. We help trustees understand the lending process, compare relevant lender policies and manage the application to settlement. Locally based SMSF lending support from Caloundra, across Queensland.
Excellent · 35 Google reviews40+Lenders on our panel
30+ yearsRichard’s lending experience
DirectWork with Richard, not a call centre
Local careCaloundra-based, Queensland-wide
SMSF LENDING ACROSS QUEENSLAND
Our role is the finance.
Your advisers do the rest.
We assess the borrowing proposal against current lender policies, explain documentation and serviceability, compare loan options and coordinate the lending. Setting up an SMSF, its investment strategy, tax and legal structure need appropriate financial, tax and legal advice.
Assess the property
Property type, value, intended use and lender acceptability can affect the finance available.
Compare lender policy
Different SMSF lenders can view the same proposal differently, so lender selection matters.
Buying premises outside super? We also help with commercial property loans and trust lending.
Explore commercial loansHOW AN SMSF PROPERTY LOAN WORKS
Borrowing through
an LRBA.
SMSFs face restrictions on borrowing. One exception is a limited recourse borrowing arrangement (LRBA), subject to the legislative requirements. The ATO explains these in its limited recourse borrowing guidance.
A single acquirable asset
Borrowed money buys a single asset, or certain collections of identical assets, held in a separate trust while the SMSF holds the beneficial interest.
Limited recourse
If the arrangement defaults, the lender’s rights are limited to the asset acquired, not the SMSF’s other assets, subject to the legislation.
Deposit and liquidity
The fund may need enough for the deposit and costs, while keeping the liquidity a lender requires after settlement.
Repayments from fund income
Lenders consider how repayments are supported, which may include rent, contributions and other income under their servicing rules.
CURRENT BORROWING RULES
What changed in August 2026?
| Real property LRBA | Before 10 Aug 2026 | From 10 Aug 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Residential property | Could be acquired | Not ordinarily, unless business real property |
| Business real property | Could be acquired | Can still be acquired |
| Existing LRBAs | — | Transitional protection |
| Refinancing earlier LRBAs | — | Preserved, subject to conditions |
Schedule 5 of the Treasury Laws Amendment (Tax Reform No. 1) Act 2026 amended s 67A of the SIS Act, from 10 August 2026. Whether a property is business real property should be confirmed by your SMSF, legal and tax advisers.
Discuss my SMSF proposalDO THE NEW RULES AFFECT YOU?
Check where your
proposal sits.
For a new LRBA involving real property entered into from 10 August 2026, the property must satisfy the legislative definition of business real property. A standard residential investment would not ordinarily qualify.
Specified earlier arrangements, refinancing of pre-commencement borrowings and certain acquisitions under earlier arrangements are preserved, subject to the legislative conditions.
- Business premises may remain relevant
- Existing LRBAs have transitional protection
- Refinancing earlier LRBAs is preserved
- Your advisers confirm the legal position
A QUICK RULES CHECK
Which rules may apply to you?
General guideA new LRBA may be possible
If the property satisfies the business real property definition and lender requirements.
A general guide only, not legal, tax or superannuation advice. Transitional rules have specific conditions. Confirm your position with your SMSF, legal and tax advisers.
Check my actual optionsCOMPARING SMSF LOAN OPTIONS
No single SMSF
lending formula.
There’s no single deposit, fund balance or liquidity figure that applies to every SMSF lender. Comparing relevant policies before applying can reduce unnecessary rework.
LENDER CHOICE WITH A PURPOSE
40+ lenders. Only some fit your fund.
Not every lender on our panel offers SMSF finance. We identify those whose current SMSF policies may fit the fund, property and proposed transaction.
Lenders differ on property types, maximum LVRs, minimum fund positions, liquidity, servicing, contributions, guarantees, rates, fees and documentation. Commercial SMSF property can be assessed differently again.
The lowest rate may not matter
An attractive advertised rate has limited relevance if the lender won’t accept the property, doesn’t recognise enough of the fund’s income or applies a requirement the proposal can’t meet.
Before the transaction advances
Reviewing policy early helps identify issues around liquidity, contributions, property security or documentation while there’s still time to address them.
Information checked October 2026. SMSF rules, lender policies, rates, fees and assessment requirements can change, and outcomes are subject to lender assessment.
Let’s see how lenders may assess your proposal. We’ll look at the fund, property and borrowing requirement first.
Check my next stepsWHAT SMSF LENDERS ASSESS
The fund, the property
and the members.
Lenders consider everything together rather than relying on one figure. Depending on the lender, member ages, retirement timing, guarantees or an exit strategy may also be assessed.
Position and liquidity
Assets, liabilities, financial statements and history, plus liquid assets some lenders require after settlement.
LVR
The loan compared with the lender’s accepted property value. Maximums vary by lender and security type.
Rent and contributions
Lenders may not use the full rent, and treat employer, personal and proposed contributions differently.
Deeds and security
Trust deeds, statements, investment strategy and holding-trust documents, plus the property’s location, use and valuation.
SITUATIONS WE CAN ASSIST WITH
Queensland SMSF
lending situations.
From business premises to refinancing an existing loan, we focus on keeping the finance moving while your advisers handle their part.
Buying eligible premises
Premises your SMSF acquires and leases to your operating business. We assess lender appetite, servicing, valuation and documents.
Refinancing an SMSF loan
Where refinancing is legally available, we compare options if your current product, rate or policy no longer fits.
Comparing policies early
Two lenders may assess the same SMSF differently. Checking early helps avoid surprises.
Complex applications
We keep the lender, solicitor, accountant and administrator informed of what the finance needs.
Borrowing through another ownership structure? Trust loans or commercial property loans may be the better fit.
Talk about my structureHOW WE WORK
Our SMSF
lending process.
We focus on the finance and coordinate with your professional advisers on lender requirements, while they handle matters within their own scope.
UNDERSTAND
Start with your proposal
We look at the property or refinancing proposal and where your SMSF currently stands.
GATHER
Identify the documents
We identify the fund, financial, property and supporting documents lenders are likely to request.
ANALYSE & COMPARE
Compare lender policies
We assess relevant policies and compare SMSF loan options against your proposal.
COORDINATE
Work with your advisers
We liaise with your accountant, solicitor, adviser or administrator about lender requirements.
APPLY & FINALISE
Manage the application
Once you decide to proceed, we prepare the application and assist through approval and settlement, subject to lender assessment.
SUPPORT
Review over time
Where appropriate, we review the finance as lender products, policies or your fund’s circumstances change.
YOUR BROKER
Meet Richard Luke.
Direct access to an experienced Queensland broker, not a call-centre structure.
Richard is Director of Ausfirst Lending Group, with more than 30 years of experience across finance and lending, including the Commonwealth Bank and senior roles in finance businesses. He holds a Graduate Diploma in Business from the University of Queensland and a Diploma of Financial Planning (RG146).
His work includes SMSF, commercial and other structured property finance. He assesses the proposal from a finance perspective, compares lender policies and oversees the lending to settlement, alongside your accountant, adviser, solicitor or SMSF administrator.
Structured lending experienceCaloundra-based, QLD-wide2024 Sunshine Coast Business Awards finalist
Speak with RichardMore about RichardWHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY
Good people.
Great support.
ExcellentBased on 35 Google reviews
Google review
“I would describe Richard and Ausfirst Lending as friendly, insightful, prompt and diligent. A pleasure to deal with.”
Google review
“Debbie made the process of buying a new house frictionless, by providing excellent support throughout”
Google review
“I received very prompt responses to all of my questions and the team ensured that my application was processed in a timely manner. The service was brilliant!”
Excerpts from client reviews displayed on Ausfirst’s website. These reflect individual experiences.
SMSF LOANS QUEENSLAND FAQS
SMSF loans.
Real questions.
The questions trustees ask most about SMSF property lending. Your fund’s circumstances matter, so we’re happy to talk through the detail.
Ask about my SMSFCan an SMSF still borrow to buy property?
Yes, through qualifying arrangements. From 10 August 2026, for affected new LRBAs involving real property, the asset must satisfy the business real property requirement, subject to the legislation and transitional provisions.
Can my SMSF take out a new loan for residential property?
For an affected LRBA entered into from 10 August 2026, real property must be business real property. A standard residential investment would not ordinarily qualify, although transitional provisions may apply to specified earlier arrangements.
How much deposit does an SMSF need for a property loan?
There’s no universal percentage. It depends on the lender, property, valuation, maximum LVR and any post-settlement liquidity requirements.
Can an SMSF refinance an existing property loan?
It may be possible, subject to the law and the new lender’s requirements. The 2026 amendments preserve specified refinancing of borrowings under arrangements entered into before the new rules began, subject to conditions.
What documents will an SMSF lender ask for?
Often the trust deed, financial statements and tax returns, bank or investment statements, contribution evidence, holding-trust documents and property information. A valuation, lease or rental appraisal and member or guarantor details may also be needed.
Can my SMSF buy premises used by my business?
Business real property may be relevant, including in some cases where a related business occupies it, provided the superannuation requirements are met. Get SMSF, legal and tax advice on the transaction; we assess the finance.
Where is Ausfirst Lending Group located?
Suite 3/74 Bulcock Street, Caloundra QLD 4551. We help borrowers across Queensland by phone and online, with local appointments available.
General information only, checked October 2026. It doesn’t consider your objectives, financial situation or needs and isn’t personal financial, investment, tax or legal advice. Consider independent advice appropriate to your circumstances.
SMSF LENDING QUEENSLAND
Talk through your
SMSF lending options.
If you have an SMSF property proposal in mind, start by finding out how relevant lenders may assess it. We look at the fund, property, borrowing requirement and lender policies before you decide how to proceed.
Your proposal assessed from a lending view
Relevant SMSF lender policies compared
Coordination with your SMSF professionals
Visit us in Caloundra
Suite 3/74 Bulcock St, Caloundra QLD 4551
Monday–Friday, 9 am–5 pm
DISCUSS YOUR SMSF LOAN
Tell us about your SMSF proposal.
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