SMSF Commercial Loans
Fund your office, retail, industrial property or other commercial property investments with our competitive rate Commercial SMSF loan.
- No ongoing fees
- Online in Australia since 2011
No ongoing fees
Online in Australia since 2011
SMSF Commercial Loans from
- Available for refinance or purchase
- Up to 30 years loan term
- Unlimited additional repayments**
- Split with fixed rate option available
SMSF Commercial Loans from
- Available for refinance or purchase
- Up to 30 years loan term
- Unlimited additional repayments**
- Split with fixed rate option available
Meet the team
Start your journey with us
An SMSF loan uses a Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangement (LRBA), which allows members to use their Self-Managed Super Fund to borrow money to purchase an investment property. The property is held in a bare trust until the loan is repaid, with all rental income and capital gains flowing back into your fund. At loans.com.au, we offer a range of SMSF commercial loans for offices, retail, and industrial property.
Rates
| Product | Rate from | Max LVR | Repayment |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMSF Commercial 70 (Variable) | 7.69% p.a^ | 70% | P&I |
| SMSF Commercial 80 (Variable) | 7.74% p.a^ | 80% | P&I |
| SMSF Commercial 80 (Fixed 2 Years) | 8.49% p.a^ | 80% | P&I |
| SMSF Commercial 80 (Fixed 3 Years) | 8.59% p.a^ | 80% | P&I |
| SMSF Commercial 80 (Fixed 5 Years) | 9.04% p.a^ | 80% | P&I |
Fees
Application fee
$0
Monthly / ongoing fees
$0
Settlement fee
$0
Security assessment fee
At cost
Legal fee (purchase only)
$490
Government fees
At cost
Optional rate lock fee
$350*^ (optional - for fixed only)
Using SMSF Commercial Property as Business Premises
One of the more common investment strategies for an SMSF commercial property is using it as business premises.
It works like this: Your SMSF purchase a commercial property and leases it out to your business (given the lease is at market rate and documented at arm’s length). This means the rent you pay for your business premises will go directly to your super fund. No third-party landlord and rent payments go to your SMSF.
Speak with your accountant about structuring the arrangement correctly.
Investing in SMSF Commercial Property
Commercial real estate typically has higher rental yields, longer lease terms, and fewer property expenses shouldered by the investor compared to residential real estate, making it an ideal SMSF investment option.
The downsides, however, include higher property purchase costs, risk of longer vacancy periods, and vulnerability to sudden market shifts.
Benefits of an SMSF Commercial Property Investment
Typically offers a higher rental yield
Longer lease terms
Tenants pay for operating expenses
Disadvantages of an SMSF Commercial Property Investment
More expensive purchase price, higher barrier of entry
Risk of longer vacancy periods
Must be ATO-compliant when used as business premises
Selling could take longer
How SMSF Loans Work for Commercial Property Investment
Unlike a standard loan, SMSF loans for purchasing investment properties must be structured under a LRBA. Understanding how they work can help you create a better strategy for your commercial property
SMSFs borrow through an LRBA
Borrowing through an LRBA offers additional asset protection for SMSF members. When a borrower defaults on a standard loan, the lender can go after the borrower’s assets to recoup costs. With an LRBA, lenders can only pursue the asset associated with the SMSF loan—the commercial property—which means your SMSF’s other investments are fully protected.
A bare trust holds the title
A bare trust, also known as a custodian or holding trust, will hold the title until the SMSF loan is repaid. It's best to consult with an SMSF expert and/or solicitor to ensure all important documentation and paperwork are in order.
Rental income goes to your super fund
Even though the bare trust holds the title, the rental income flows to your SMSF. Rental income for SMSF properties is typically taxed at a lower rate during the accumulation and pension phases. Discuss the tax implications with a financial expert to get the full picture.
Transfer of ownership from trust to SMSF
When the SMSF loan is fully repaid, the title and ownership of the property will be transferred to the SMSF. Speak with your lender and solicitor to make sure that the transfer of the property title goes smoothly.
Eligible Commercial Properties for an SMSF Loan
Not all commercial property is automatically eligible under an LRBA. Here's what we can finance and what's typically excluded.
Eligible property types ✔
Office suites and commercial office buildings
Retail shops and shopfront premises
Showrooms and display spaces
Warehouses and storage facilities
Industrial units and light industrial premises
Medical, dental, and allied health suites
Professional service offices (legal, accounting, consulting)
Business premises purchased from or leased to a related entity at market value/rent.
Requires assessment/Not eligible ✗
Rural or agricultural properties
Vacant development sites or land awaiting construction
Specialised properties (petrol stations, carwashes, hospitality venues) — subject to individual assessment
Properties purchased from or leased to related parties below market value/rent
Mixed-use properties with a residential component — subject to assessment
Not sure if your property qualifies? Enquire and our team will assess your specific situation.
SMSF Commercial Loan Eligibility
Before applying for an SMSF loan at loans.com.au, see if your SMSF is eligible.
Established SMSF Trust
Your SMSF must be registered with the ATO, have a current tax file number, and an existing, compliant trust deed.
Minimum 20% Deposit
The SMSF must have at least 20% of the property’s purchase price as a deposit. Some SMSF loan products require a lower LVR or a higher deposit amount.
Must meet the sole purpose test
The property to be purchased by the SMSF must be used for the members’ retirement. Subject to the ATO’s strict arm's length requirements, fund members are allowed to purchase from and/or lease the property to a related party, provided the purchase price reflects market value and commercial lease terms reflect market rent.
Fund liquidity
In addition to the deposit, SMSF must have sufficient liquidity to service the loan, meet member benefit obligations, and cover unexpected expenses.
Corporate Trustee
loans.com.au requires your SMSF to have a corporate trustee rather than individual trustees. Speak with your accountant about your trustee structure before you apply.
Sufficient Fund Balance
Consider the costs of running an SMSF and servicing a loan. Your lending specialist can help you assess whether your fund is in a strong enough position to proceed.
Documents You'll Need to Apply
Having these ready before you apply will speed up your assessment. Our team will confirm the exact requirements for your situation.
Your SMSF
Copy of SMSF trust deed
Certified copy of bare trust/property trust deed
Recent super fund statements (contributions, cash, investments, rental)
SMSF investment strategy (confirming property investment)
The Property
Contract of sale or refinance details
Independent commercial property valuation
Existing lease agreements (if applicable)
Business financials if leasing to related entity
For Refinances
6 months statements on the loan being refinanced
Evidence of rental income
Previous independent legal advice
Current loan payout figure
Why choose loans.com.au for your SMSF loan?
Award-winning SMSF lender
Recognised across multiple industry award programs as a leading online lender for both residential and commercial SMSF products.
Zero fees that eat into your returns
$0 monthly fees, $0 ongoing fees, $0 settlement fee — keeping more money compounding inside your super fund
Unlimited additional repayments
Pay down your SMSF loan faster with no penalty — reducing the interest cost flowing out of your fund over time
Australian-based SMSF specialists
Our Brisbane-based lending team understands SMSF complexity — trust structures, bare trusts, legal advice requirements — and guides you through every step.
Multiple award-winning home loan products
Australian Credit Licence: ACL 395219
How the application process works
From your first call to settlement — a guided process with an Australian-based team at every step.
Speak to a Specialist
We confirm your SMSF structure, property eligibility, and arrange pre-approval.
Upload & Track
Submit your documents and monitor your application in real time via our onTrack portal.
Approval & Signing
Review and sign your mortgage documents securely via onTrack.
Settlement
Your loan settles, which means your funds will be ready.
Manage Your Loan
You'll receive your login details to manage your repayments and account details via our Smart Money app.
Kathryn
Lending specialist
Real people, real SMSF wins
How loans.com.au customers have used SMSF loans to build wealth through property.
Frequently asked questions
A Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) is a private superannuation fund that you manage yourself for your retirement. As a trustee, you're responsible for managing the fund and ensuring it complies with superannuation laws.
Before setting up an SMSF, we recommend speaking with your accountant, financial adviser or other qualified professional to understand whether it's right for your circumstances.
For a SMSF commercial loan, the only fee you’ll pay to is a one-off security assessment fee, which for a standard property in a metropolitan area in a major city starts at $230 for properties valued up to $1 million. If you are making a purchase, there will also be a $490 legal fee applicable.
Other lenders may charge an application fee, exit fees, annual fees, and discharge fees, so it’s important to do your research before making your decision.
We may be able to refinance eligible residential and offer lending for commercial investment properties held within a SMSF, subject to our lending criteria.
Eligibility will depend on factors such as the property type, location and valuation.
You'll start with a phone appointment with one of our SMSF lending specialists to discuss your refinancing needs and complete your application.
If your loan is pre-approved, you can contact your current lender to request a “Discharge Authority Form” from your existing loan.
Following that, you can submit your documents and monitor your application in real-time via our onTrack portal.
Once the required documents have been signed and returned via onTrack, your loan settles, which means your funds will be ready to be paid out to your previous lender.
You'll remain responsible for your existing loan until the refinance has settled and been confirmed.
When your loan settles, you’ll receive login details to manage your repayments and account details via our Smart Money app.
Refinancing doesn’t change your fund’s investment strategy or the property’s ownership structure. It simply changes who your lender is. You should confirm with your accountant or SMSF advisor that the new loan continues to meet your fund’s borrowing arrangement requirements.
Some documents you’ll need to refinance include:
- Your recent Super Fund Statement/s evidencing contributions, cash, investments, rental
- Evidence of rental income
- Previous independent legal advice
- 6 months statement of the loan being refinanced
- Certified copies of SMSF Trust Deed and Property Trust Deed
For a full list of documents required, chat to one of our lending specialists on Live Chat or 1300 567 529.
Retirement options for SMSF Property
Buying a property through an SMSF has become a popular option for superannuation fund members. In this article, we give you a rundown of what you can do with your SMSF property at retirement.
How to refinance an SMSF loan
Thinking of refinancing your SMSF loan? At loans.com.au we make the process simple and easy. Find out how to get approved today.
A guide to SMSF Property Valuations
An SMSF property valuation is essential when creating annual SMSF financial reports. It’s there to confirm if your SMSF follows superannuation fund laws. The asset valuation also affects the returns for members and overall SMSF sector performance.
A guide to SMSF commercial property
A guide to selling SMSF property
Can I lend money to my SMSF to buy an investment property?
