Review the fund
Financial position, available deposit, contributions, liquidity and other information lenders assess.
SMSF LENDING
SMSF loans on the Sunshine Coast.
A local SMSF lending broker.
Based in Caloundra.
SMSF borrowing has more moving parts than a standard property loan. We help Sunshine Coast trustees understand lender requirements, compare relevant policies and manage the finance through to settlement, by phone, online or in person at our Bulcock Street office.
Excellent · 35 Google reviews40+Lenders on our panel
30+ yearsRichard’s lending experience
DirectWork with Richard, not a call centre
LocalIn-person appointments in Caloundra
LOCAL SMSF LENDING SUPPORT
A Sunshine Coast broker
you can actually visit.
Ausfirst is based at Suite 3/74 Bulcock Street, Caloundra, so local trustees and business owners can meet the team in person. Phone and online meetings help when your accountant, solicitor or administrator are elsewhere. Our role is the lending; your advisers handle the SMSF, tax and legal side.
Consider the property
Type, use, valuation and lender security requirements shape which options may be available.
Compare lender policy
Lenders can view the same SMSF proposal very differently, so the choice of lender matters.
Sunshine Coast business owner? If you’re buying premises outside super, we also help with commercial property loans.
Explore commercial loansHOW AN SMSF PROPERTY LOAN WORKS
Borrowing through
an LRBA.
Where the legislative requirements are met, an SMSF may borrow through a limited recourse borrowing arrangement (LRBA). Legal documents and the transaction sequence deserve early attention.
Held on trust for the fund
The permitted asset is held on trust so the SMSF has the beneficial interest, with the right to take legal ownership once payments are made.
Recourse is limited
The lender’s recourse is limited as the legislation requires, rather than extending freely across the SMSF’s other assets.
Contribution and LVR
Lenders weigh what the fund contributes, the proposed LVR and liquidity left after settlement.
Recognised income
Rent and super contributions may count for serviceability, but each lender treats them differently.
CURRENT BORROWING RULES
Common assumptions, checked
| Topic | Common assumption | Current position |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial property | Always qualifies | Only if it’s business real property |
| Residential property | SMSFs can’t hold it | Can be held; new LRBA borrowing restricted |
| Existing LRBAs | Must be unwound | Transitional protection |
| Refinancing | Not allowed | Preserved, subject to conditions |
Business real property is a defined superannuation concept, broadly real property used wholly and exclusively in one or more businesses. The ATO’s business real property guidance explains it. Confirm your position with legal, tax and SMSF advisers.
Discuss my proposal locallyCURRENT RULES FOR SMSF PROPERTY BORROWING
Timing and property
type both matter.
Schedule 5 of the Treasury Laws Amendment (Tax Reform No. 1) Act 2026 amended s 67A of the SIS Act. For affected real property LRBAs entered into from 10 August 2026, the asset must be business real property.
Because the position depends on timing and the transaction, get legal, tax and SMSF advice before relying on a transitional provision. We assess the finance once the structure is clear.
- Commercial isn’t automatically business real property
- SMSFs can still hold residential property
- Earlier arrangements may be preserved
- Advisers confirm before you rely on it
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 SUNSHINE COAST PROPERTY
One lender’s figure
isn’t the market standard.
Deposit, minimum fund balance and LVR requirements differ between SMSF lenders. We check relevant policies before an application is lodged, rather than assuming one lender suits every fund.
LOCAL BUSINESS PREMISES
The same office, two different answers.
An office, warehouse or other premises may fit one lender’s SMSF policy while another takes a different view of the security, lease or servicing.
Our panel has more than 40 banks and non-bank lenders, but not all offer SMSF finance. We focus on those whose current policy may suit your fund and property.
More than the rate
Acceptable property types, maximum LVRs, liquidity calculations, servicing, contribution evidence, terms, fees, guarantees and documents can all vary.
Commercial security
Requirements vary most when the security is commercial or the fund has a more involved financial position.
Information checked October 2026. SMSF rules, lender policies, rates, fees and assessment requirements can change, and outcomes are subject to lender assessment.
Bring your proposal to our Caloundra office. Or talk it through by phone or online.
Check my next stepsSMSF LOANS SUNSHINE COAST: WHAT LENDERS MAY ASSESS
What lenders look at
before they lend.
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
Sunshine Coast SMSF
lending situations.
The requirements for SMSF business premises depend on the property, its use, the fund and the lender’s policy.
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.
Outside an SMSF
Not every purchase sits in super. Trust or commercial lending may need to be considered separately.
Premises with many parties
Knowing the lender’s documents and timing early helps the finance fit with your advisers’ work.
Borrowing through another ownership structure? Trust loans or commercial property loans may be the better fit.
Talk about my structureHOW WE WORK
Our local SMSF
lending process.
In person in Caloundra, or by phone and online, with your other professionals kept informed of what the lender needs.
TALK IT THROUGH
Start with the proposal
The property or refinance, where your SMSF stands and what you need from the finance.
GATHER
Gather the lending information
We identify the fund, financial, property and supporting documents lenders are likely to request.
COMPARE
Compare relevant lenders
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.
REVIEW
Review where appropriate
Where appropriate, we review the finance as lender products, policies or your fund’s circumstances change.
YOUR LOCAL BROKER
Meet Richard Luke.
Based with the team in Caloundra, and available to meet in person.
Richard has been a Director of Ausfirst Lending Group since 2016, with more than 30 years in finance and lending including Commonwealth Bank. He holds a Graduate Diploma in Business from the University of Queensland and a Diploma of Financial Planning (RG146).
He works across SMSF, commercial and structured property lending, including applications where lender policy or documentation needs closer attention, alongside your other SMSF professionals.
Structured lending experienceLocal office in Caloundra2024 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 SUNSHINE COAST FAQS
SMSF loans.
Real questions.
The questions Sunshine Coast trustees ask most about SMSF lending. Drop into our Caloundra office or call 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 property loans?
No. Lender participation and policy change, and not every lender on our panel offers SMSF finance. We assess which may have relevant policies for your fund, property and proposal.
Can my SMSF buy premises used by my Sunshine Coast 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.
Can I meet an Ausfirst broker on the Sunshine Coast?
Yes. We’re based at Suite 3/74 Bulcock Street, Caloundra QLD 4551. Local appointments may be available, and you can also work with us by phone or online.
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.
VISIT AUSFIRST IN CALOUNDRA
Talk to a local
SMSF lending broker.
Considering an SMSF purchase or reviewing an existing loan? Bring enough about the fund and transaction, and we’ll assess the lending position and explain what lenders may require.
Your proposal assessed from a lending view
Relevant SMSF lender policies compared
In person, by phone or online
Our Sunshine Coast office
Suite 3/74 Bulcock St, Caloundra QLD 4551
Monday–Friday, 9 am–5 pm · Appointments available
DISCUSS YOUR SUNSHINE COAST SMSF LOAN
Tell us about your SMSF proposal.
Send our team a little about the fund and property.
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