SMSF Finance — Grow Your Self-Managed Super
SMSF lending specialists based in Perth, serving clients across Australia. Residential and commercial property finance through your self-managed super fund.
What is an SMSF loan?
An SMSF loan lets a self-managed super fund borrow to purchase an investment property. Because super funds face borrowing restrictions, the loan must be structured as a limited recourse borrowing arrangement — meaning the lender can only claim the property being purchased if the fund defaults, not the fund's other assets.
Investing in property through your SMSF can be a powerful wealth-building strategy, but the lending rules are complex and not all brokers have the expertise to navigate them. Aqua Money specialises in SMSF finance and works with lenders who understand the unique requirements of LRBAs.
What we can help with
SMSF residential property loans
SMSF commercial property loans
Limited recourse borrowing arrangements (LRBAs)
Refinancing existing SMSF loans
Guidance on lender requirements and trustee obligations
How the process works
Free consultation
We review your fund structure, your goals and what lenders will realistically consider.
Lender matching
We approach lenders on our panel who actively write SMSF loans and understand LRBAs.
Structuring and application
We coordinate with your accountant or adviser to make sure the arrangement is set up correctly before lodgement.
Settlement and beyond
We manage the process to settlement, and stay available for future refinancing or additional purchases.
Common questions about SMSF lending
Can my SMSF borrow money to buy property?
Yes. A self-managed super fund can borrow to purchase property using a limited recourse borrowing arrangement (LRBA). Under an LRBA, the lender's recourse is limited to the asset being purchased, and the property is held in a separate holding trust until the loan is repaid.
What is a limited recourse borrowing arrangement (LRBA)?
An LRBA is the structure that allows an SMSF to borrow. If the fund defaults, the lender can only claim the specific property purchased with the loan, not the fund's other assets. LRBAs have strict requirements set by the ATO, and lenders apply their own conditions on top.
Can I live in a property my SMSF owns?
No. Residential property owned by an SMSF cannot be lived in or rented by a fund member or a related party. This is required by the sole purpose test, which states the fund must be maintained solely to provide retirement benefits. Commercial property is treated differently and may be leased to a related business at market rates.
What deposit does an SMSF loan require?
SMSF loans generally require a larger deposit than standard property loans, and requirements vary between lenders and between residential and commercial property. Your fund also needs enough liquidity remaining after settlement to meet ongoing obligations. We can confirm current lender requirements for your situation.
Can I refinance an existing SMSF loan?
Yes. Existing SMSF loans can often be refinanced to a different lender or restructured, subject to the new lender's requirements and the terms of your fund's borrowing arrangement.
Is Aqua Money accredited for SMSF lending?
Yes. Aqua Money is SMSF specialist accredited and arranges SMSF loans for both residential and commercial property investment. Aqua Money is Australian Credit Representative 575935 of Australian Credit Licence 384704, regulated by ASIC.
Talk to an SMSF specialist
A free consultation, no obligation. We'll tell you honestly whether SMSF lending fits your situation. We recommend speaking with your accountant or financial adviser alongside our consultation.
The information on this page is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. It is not financial product advice. Aqua Money — ABN 32 693 892 134 — Australian Credit Representative 575935 of Australian Credit Licence 384704.
SMSF lending, in plain English.
Your accountant and adviser handle whether it stacks up. We handle the finance — which lenders will look at it, what they'll want, and what it costs.
Aqua Money arranges finance under Australian Credit Licence 384704 (Australian Credit Representative 575935, ABN 32 693 892 134). We don't provide financial product advice — whether an SMSF or a limited recourse borrowing arrangement suits you is a question for your accountant or licensed financial adviser.