SMSF LENDING
Super is the asset. Commercial property is the strategy.
Altura's SMSF Lending is structured for trustees acquiring or refinancing commercial property through their self-managed super fund, with facilities built around compliance, servicing flexibility, and execution certainty.
WHAT IT IS AND WHO IT'S FOR
Commercial property inside super requires a lender who understands both.
SMSF lending operates under a distinct compliance framework. Limited recourse borrowing arrangements, trustee obligations, and fund structure requirements sit outside standard bank processes. From 10 August 2026 that framework narrowed further. New SMSF borrowing is limited to business real property, and residential property can no longer be financed through a new LRBA.
Altura structures commercial SMSF facilities for trustees purchasing or refinancing business real property within their fund. We assess servicing inside and outside the fund. Many lenders look only at SMSF inflows. Altura takes a flexible approach and can consider the financial position outside the fund as well, maximising capacity.
We work across both principal and interest and interest-only structures, and handle the compliance and structural requirements that make SMSF lending more complex than standard commercial finance.
The result is a facility built around the fund's position and the trustee's strategy, not a standard commercial loan with an SMSF wrapper applied.
Who this is for:
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Trustees purchasing commercial property, including business owners acquiring their own premises through super
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Existing SMSF commercial property holders looking to refinance into a more suitable facility
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Accountants and financial advisers placing commercial SMSF lending for clients
New to SMSF lending and not sure how to get the ball rolling?
Altura can connect you with the right professionals to establish the fund, get the right advice and ensure you are protected and set up correctly and compliantly. Our SMSF experts will guide you through the process from start to finish, ensuring you are confident with the approach and outcome.
WHEN TO USE THIS STRUCTURE
This structure may be right for your scenario if:
The trustee is acquiring commercial property, including their own business premises.
Purchasing business real property through an SMSF remains one of the most tax-effective strategies available to business owners, and it is unaffected by the August 2026 changes. Altura structures commercial SMSF facilities for office, retail, strata, and medical assets held within compliant funds.
The fund is investing in commercial property for long-term income.
The fund has sufficient balance, the property qualifies as business real property, and the trustee's strategy is to build retirement wealth through commercial income and capital growth. Altura assesses servicing inside and outside the fund and structures the LRBA accordingly.
The existing commercial SMSF loan needs to be refinanced.
Altura offers a streamlined process, requiring less documentation where the current facility no longer suits the fund's position, or the rate, structure, or lender relationship has run its course. Altura assesses refinance of compliant commercial SMSF facilities where the security and fund structure meet our criteria.
The broker or adviser needs a lender who can assess SMSF complexity without slowing the deal.
SMSF lending requires a credit team that understands trust deeds, fund compliance, the business real property test, and the servicing mechanics specific to superannuation structures. Altura has handled SMSF facilities since 2011. We assess and respond quickly.
HOW WE STRUCTURE
Key lending parameters
Altura offers SMSF lending secured by commercial property. All facilities are assessed on their own structure. Submit a scenario to get a direct assessment.
Commercial SMSF
MAX LVR
Up to 80%
SERVICING
Inside and outside the fund - above or below the line
LOAN TERM
Up to 30 years
ACCEPTABLE SECURITY
Office · Retail · Strata · Medical and dental
REPAYMENT TYPE
Principal & Interest or Interest Only
LOAN PURPOSE
New purchase of business real property or refinance of compliant facilities
INTERNET BANKING
Access available
DEAL SHOWCASE
How this structure has been applied
The deals below are real transactions structured and settled by Altura. Details are anonymised.
SMSF LENDING · AARON, QLD
$1.2M
Business owners seeking to purchase the commercial property they operated from via their SMSF. Current landlord was selling and the lease had expired, creating a hard acquisition deadline.
SMSF loan structured with a competitive rate. Clear guidance provided at every step to manage complexity and timing.
Outcome: Settled on time, enabling the borrowers to secure ownership of their trading premises.
KEY CONSIDERATIONS
What referrers and borrowers ask most
What changed for SMSF lending on 10 August 2026?
From 10 August 2026, SMSFs can no longer enter new limited recourse borrowing arrangements to purchase residential property. The change applies prospectively. New SMSF borrowing over real property is limited to business real property. Existing residential SMSF loans entered before 10 August 2026 are grandfathered, and contracts exchanged before that date remain protected even where settlement occurs afterwards. Commercial SMSF lending is unaffected.
What is a limited recourse borrowing arrangement and why does it matter?
A limited recourse borrowing arrangement (LRBA) is the legal structure that allows an SMSF to borrow money to purchase an asset. The "limited recourse" aspect means the lender's recourse is limited to the asset being purchased, so other fund assets are protected. All SMSF property loans must be structured as LRBAs to remain compliant, and since 10 August 2026 an LRBA over real property is only permitted where the asset is business real property. Altura structures commercial SMSF facilities within these requirements as standard.
What qualifies as business real property?
Business real property is property used wholly and exclusively in one or more businesses, as defined under superannuation law. Commercial premises such as offices, retail sites, and medical suites generally qualify. Mixed-use property, vacant land, and property with any residential use may not, and should be reviewed before an LRBA is entered into. Altura assesses the security position as part of the scenario.
Can an SMSF purchase the business premises of a related party?
Yes. Business real property is one of the few asset types that can be acquired from or leased to a related party through an SMSF, provided the transaction is conducted at arm's length and on commercial terms. This remains one of the most tax-effective structures available to business owners and is unaffected by the 2026 changes. Altura can structure the commercial SMSF facility required to support this.
What LVR can Altura lend to on commercial SMSF property?
Up to 80% LVR, priced on risk. The appropriate LVR depends on the security type, fund position, and servicing assessment. Submit a scenario and we'll give you a direct position.
How does Altura work with accountants and financial advisers on SMSF transactions?
Many SMSF transactions are introduced through accountants or financial advisers who manage the fund but need a lending partner to execute the property component. Altura works directly with professional referral partners, provides clear indicative assessments, and stays close to the transaction through to settlement. Accredited introducers have direct access to the credit team.