Assess the fund
Its financial position, available deposit, contributions, liquidity and other information lenders assess.
SMSF LENDING
SMSF loans in Brisbane.
SMSF finance for Brisbane trustees.
Handled by phone and online.
The fund, proposed property, borrowing structure and lender policy all need to work together. We help Brisbane trustees understand lender requirements, compare relevant SMSF policies and manage the application through to settlement, drawing on more than 30 years of Queensland lending experience.
Excellent · 35 Google reviews40+Lenders on our panel
30+ yearsRichard’s lending experience
DirectWork with Richard, not a call centre
RemotePhone and online for Brisbane
WORKING WITH AUSFIRST IN BRISBANE
Brisbane SMSF lending,
without the office visits.
You don’t need a Brisbane office to work directly with our lending team. Trustees, professionals and business owners can discuss a purchase or refinance by phone or online, with documents and lender communication handled remotely. Our role is the finance; your advisers handle the SMSF, tax and legal side.
Check the property
Property type, intended use, valuation and lender security policy all affect the finance available.
Compare the lenders
SMSF policies differ considerably, so we look for lenders whose current requirements may fit.
Brisbane business owner buying premises outside super? We also help with commercial property and trust lending.
Explore commercial loansHOW AN SMSF PROPERTY LOAN WORKS
Borrowing through
an LRBA.
SMSFs can only borrow in limited circumstances, usually through a limited recourse borrowing arrangement (LRBA). ASIC’s Moneysmart notes SMSF property borrowing involves strict rules, extra cost and cash flow risk, and recommends licensed financial advice.
A separate holding arrangement
The acquired asset is held through a separate holding trust while the borrowing remains in place, subject to the LRBA requirements.
Limited recourse
The lender’s recourse is limited as the legislation requires, rather than extending freely across the fund’s other assets.
What the fund contributes
Lenders look at how much of the purchase and costs the fund can cover, and what liquidity remains after settlement.
Income for servicing
Rental income and super contributions may count towards servicing, but each lender treats them differently.
CURRENT BORROWING RULES
Current SMSF borrowing rules
| 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 Brisbane proposalDO THE NEW RULES AFFECT YOU?
Where does your
proposal sit?
The rules for new LRBAs involving real property changed on 10 August 2026. For affected new arrangements, the property must satisfy the statutory business real property requirement. 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.
- Eligible Brisbane 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 LENDERS FOR A BRISBANE PROPERTY
The panel size matters
less than the fit.
There’s no single minimum fund balance, deposit or LVR across SMSF lenders. What matters is how many lenders’ current policies are relevant to your proposal.
A BROAD PANEL, USED SELECTIVELY
Not every lender offers SMSF finance.
Our panel includes more than 40 banks and non-bank lenders, but only some offer SMSF loans. We focus on those whose current policy is relevant to your fund, property and structure.
Policies differ on acceptable property, maximum LVR, fund position, liquidity, contribution and rent treatment, guarantees, terms, rates, fees and documents.
A lender that accepts the security
Some SMSF transactions stall because the first lender approached won’t accept the security. Looking at the property and fund together narrows the field to relevant lenders.
Requirements that change the options
One lender may accept a servicing position another won’t, while another may impose liquidity or documentation rules that change what’s practical.
Information checked October 2026. SMSF rules, lender policies, rates, fees and assessment requirements can change, and outcomes are subject to lender assessment.
Let’s narrow down the lenders. We’ll explain why each may or may not fit your Brisbane proposal.
Check my next stepsSMSF LOANS BRISBANE: WHAT LENDERS MAY ASSESS
The whole proposal,
not one figure.
Lenders may also ask for evidence of the fund’s documented investment strategy. Advice on that strategy sits with your adviser, not your broker.
Fund position
Financial statements, assets, liabilities and history, plus any liquidity required after settlement.
Deposit and LVR
What the SMSF contributes and the resulting loan-to-value ratio shape the lender options.
Rent and contributions
Rent may be counted at the lender’s own percentage; contribution evidence requirements differ.
Documents and security
SMSF and holding-trust deeds, plus the property’s use, location, lease and marketability.
SITUATIONS WE CAN ASSIST WITH
Brisbane SMSF
lending situations.
Brisbane localisation is about how the finance is handled, not claims about suburbs or growth. The real questions are the rules, the property and the fund.
Buying business premises
An office, warehouse or other commercial property through an established SMSF. We assess lender appetite, servicing and valuation.
Refinancing an SMSF loan
If your lender’s rate, product or policy no longer suits, we compare options where refinancing is legally available.
Matching the property
We check security policy before lodging, so you’re not stuck with a lender that won’t accept the property.
Coordinating online
Your accountant, solicitor and administrator may be in different places. We keep the finance moving online.
Borrowing through another ownership structure? Trust loans or commercial property loans may be the better fit.
Talk about my structureHOW WE WORK
Our process for
Brisbane clients.
Handled by phone and online, with your advisers kept informed of the lender’s requirements at each stage.
UNDERSTAND
Start with what you’re financing
The proposed property or refinance, and where the 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 after settlement
Where appropriate, we review the loan as lender products, policies or the fund’s circumstances change.
YOUR BROKER
Meet Richard Luke.
Brisbane clients work directly with Richard, without a large call-centre structure.
Richard worked as a Lending Manager with Commonwealth Bank and held senior finance roles in Brisbane before becoming a Director of Ausfirst Lending Group in 2016. He holds a Graduate Diploma in Business from the University of Queensland and a Diploma of Financial Planning (RG146).
His experience extends to SMSF, commercial, investment and trust lending, which helps where a transaction involves business property, multiple entities or documents that need the right sequence.
Structured lending experienceBrisbane clients served remotely2024 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 BRISBANE FAQS
SMSF loans.
Real questions.
The questions Brisbane 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.
Do all lenders offer SMSF loans?
No. SMSF lending is specialist, and lender participation and policy change. Our panel has more than 40 lenders, and we assess which may offer relevant SMSF options for your proposal.
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.
Does Ausfirst have an office in Brisbane?
Our physical office is at Suite 3/74 Bulcock Street, Caloundra QLD 4551. Brisbane clients work with us by phone and online, so the lending process can be managed remotely.
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 BRISBANE
Discuss your SMSF loan
with a Brisbane broker.
Have a Brisbane SMSF property or refinance in mind? We’ll look at how relevant lenders may assess the fund, property and borrowing requirement before you decide how to proceed.
Your proposal assessed from a lending view
Relevant SMSF lender policies compared
Handled by phone and online
Our office in Caloundra
Suite 3/74 Bulcock St, Caloundra QLD 4551
Monday–Friday, 9 am–5 pm · Brisbane clients by phone and online
DISCUSS YOUR BRISBANE SMSF LOAN
Tell us about your SMSF proposal.
Send our team a little about the fund and property.
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