SMSF Loans

At AxJ, our experienced brokers are committed to securing the most
favourable terms, ensuring you have the financial flexibility and better options.

Are you aiming to maximise the benefits of your Self-Managed Super Fund? Our flexible SMSF loan options could be the key to unlocking your fund’s full potential.

Leverage the Potential of Your Self-Managed Super Fund

An SMSF loan tailored to your specific needs can help you achieve your investment goals without overwhelming you with excessive debt or high-interest rates. Partnering with a reputable and experienced mortgage broker like AxJ is essential — we can guide you through the process and help you secure the most suitable loan for your circumstances.

What Are SMSF Loans?

An SMSF loan is a financial arrangement that enables your Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) to borrow money for the purpose of purchasing an investment property. These loans can be used to acquire both residential and commercial properties, potentially generating additional income and capital growth within your superannuation fund. By leveraging the funds within your SMSF, you can diversify your investment portfolio and enhance your retirement savings through property investments.

SMSF loans operate under a structure known as a Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangement (LRBA). This means that the lender’s claim is limited to the property purchased with the borrowed funds, thereby protecting the other assets within your SMSF.

While SMSF loans offer significant growth opportunities, they also come with specific eligibility criteria and regulatory requirements. Therefore, seeking professional financial and legal advice before proceeding is crucial.

What Types of SMSF Loans Are Available?

SMSF Residential Loans

These loans are designed to purchase residential properties. They can be used to invest in real estate, such as houses or apartments, potentially generating rental income and capital growth.

SMSF Commercial Loans

These loans are tailored for acquiring commercial properties, such as office spaces, retail outlets, and industrial units. Commercial properties typically offer higher rental returns than residential properties.

What Are the Benefits of SMSF Loans?

Control Over Investments

As an SMSF trustee, you have direct control over investment decisions, allowing you to select assets that align with your risk tolerance and financial objectives.

Tax Advantages

Income generated from SMSF investments, such as rental income or capital gains, is taxed at a concessional rate, boosting your overall returns. Additionally, franking credits can be claimed from dividends, further increasing the fund’s value.

Diversification and Flexibility

SMSF loans offer flexibility in investment choices, enabling you to diversify your portfolio with residential or commercial properties, shares, and other permissible assets. This helps balance your investment strategy and manage risk.

Potential for Higher Returns

By leveraging funds through an SMSF loan, you can invest in higher-value properties that may generate significant rental income and capital growth, potentially increasing the overall value of your SMSF.

Cost Savings

Managing your superannuation through an SMSF can reduce management fees associated with retail and industry super funds, allowing more of your funds to be invested, potentially resulting in higher long-term returns.

What Are the Risks or Disadvantages of SMSF Loans?

Before proceeding with an SMSF loan, it is essential to understand the following risks and disadvantages to ensure it fits your financial strategy and goals.

Higher Costs: SMSF loans often come with higher interest rates and fees compared to traditional mortgages, making them more expensive. Additionally, complying with superannuation laws can involve significant legal and administrative costs.
Complex Management: Managing an SMSF and adhering to Australian superannuation and taxation laws requires a deep understanding of these regulations. This complexity often necessitates professional assistance, adding to the overall cost and effort involved.
Liquidity Risks: Investing in property means your SMSF’s assets are not easily converted into cash. This can make covering loan repayments and other expenses challenging, especially if the property does not generate the expected rental income.
Strict Lending Criteria: Obtaining an SMSF loan can be challenging due to strict lending criteria, including the need for a significant deposit and demonstrating the fund’s ability to service the loan. This can limit your borrowing capacity.
Limited Lender Options: Not all lenders offer SMSF loans in Australia, restricting your choices. This limitation can lead to less favourable loan terms compared to those available for other types of investment loans.

What Are the SMSF Loan Requirements?

To qualify for self-managed super fund loans, you need to meet specific criteria:

Corporate Trustees: Your SMSF must have corporate trustees. SMSF lenders in Australia prefer this structure due to the greater legal protection and flexibility it offers.
Compliance Status: Your SMSF must comply with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Only SMSFs that adhere to regulatory requirements and maintain compliance are eligible.
Single Acquirable Asset: The property you’re purchasing should be a ‘single acquirable’ asset, meaning it must be a distinct and identifiable asset that can be acquired in one transaction.
Minimum Net Assets: Your SMSF must have a minimum net asset value of $200,000. This ensures the fund has sufficient financial stability to support the loan and ongoing investment.
SIS Act Compliance: Your SMSF must comply with the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act (SIS Act). This ensures that the SMSF adheres to the legal and regulatory framework governing superannuation funds in Australia.

How Do I Apply for an SMSF Loan?

Applying for an SMSF loan involves several key steps:

Establish Your SMSF: Ensure you have an existing self-managed superannuation fund in place. This includes having a corporate trustee and being compliant with the ATO.
Set Up a Separate Trust: Create a separate trust, often called a custodian or bare trust, to hold the property. This trust will act as the property’s legal owner until the loan is fully repaid.
Prepare Documentation: Gather all required documents, including a certified copy of the SMSF Trust Deed, Custodian Trust Deed, 2 years of SMSF audited financial statements, 12 months of SMSF bank statements, rental estimates, and a full copy of the contract of sale.
Submit Your Application: Apply for an SMSF loan with your chosen lender. Ensure your application includes all needed documentation and meets the lender’s criteria.
Loan Assessment and Approval: The lender will review your application and financial documents to assess the SMSF’s stability and ability to service the loan. If approved, you will proceed to the final steps.
Finalisation and Settlement: Complete the settlement of the property and start making loan repayments. The settlement process for an SMSF loan includes finalising the purchase contract, transferring ownership of the property to the SMSF’s custodian trust, and arranging for the SMSF to pay the deposit and any remaining balance from its own funds. The lender will then register a mortgage over the property. Once the property is settled, the SMSF can begin paying off the loan according to the agreed schedule.

Consulting with Professionals

Given the complexity of SMSF loans, it is highly recommended to seek independent financial, legal, and tax advice.

Professionals such as financial advisors, mortgage brokers, tax accountants, and legal experts can help you ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements. These experts will provide tailored guidance to help you make informed decisions and maximise the benefits of your SMSF loan.

Achieve Your Financial Goals with AxJ and Jason

At AxJ, we are committed to helping individuals from diverse backgrounds reach their financial aspirations. Our experienced team, including our esteemed mortgage broker Jason, possesses the knowledge to skillfully navigate the lending market and secure favourable terms for our clients.

Whether you’re a first home buyer, a home upgrader, or looking to refinance, make investments, or purchase a new home, our award-winning home loan specialists, led by Jason, offer advice-driven solutions tailored to your unique financial and lifestyle goals — both now and in the future.

At AxJ, our dedication extends beyond our clients to the well-being of our planet. We adhere to ethical lending practices, actively offset our carbon footprint, and strive to make a positive impact. With your support, we can continue to achieve even greater accomplishments!

Reach out to AxJ today and let Jason, our dedicated mortgage broker, guide you on the path to achieving your financial dreams.

What You Can Expect: Working with AxJ

FREE Service

Lenders may eventually charge you a premium for their services. However, you can always count on mortgage brokers to not charge you anything when working with them. That is because they receive a commission from lenders and will not need any sort of compensation from the borrower.

Specialist Advice You Can Trust

Mortgage brokers are governed by the ‘Best Interests Duty’ legislation. Under this law, brokers are mandated to always act in your best interests and use their expertise to achieve the best possible outcome for your home loan application. We know the industry inside out, and our experience with a variety of lenders and financial institutions makes us much more of experts at lending policies and processes than them.

Full-service Support

It is our job to carry out all the legwork on your behalf from start to finish, and represent you in a way that will get you the most favourable outcome. We will assess your borrowing capacity, organise your paperwork, and make sure you get approved for a home loan in the most cost-effective and transparent way possible.

Wide Panel of Lenders

We have access to a wide array of lending options, so there should be something out there to fit every individual financial plan. We keep an eye across a large section of the property market, and we compare rates from our wide panel of lenders. We can help you explore those options and make sure you get the right one for you!

Access to Special Discounts and Benefits

Our mortgage brokers are local, so we have a thorough understanding of the local market trends. This knowledge enables us to understand your needs, tailor a loan according to your unique circumstances, and possibly get you preferential treatment — or even discounts where they apply.

Melbourne Finance Brokers Making SMSF Lending Simple and Strategic

★★★★★

5/5 Star Google Reviews

Speak to a Broker Reviews 0433 147 323

Speak to a Senior Finance Broker

We’re excited to assist you with your SMSF loan needs and help you invest in property through your self-managed super fund with confidence.

FREE ASSESSMENT IN LESS THAN 48 HOURS

Strategic Lending for SMSF Property Investment

Investing through your Self-Managed Super Fund requires specialised knowledge—and that’s exactly what we bring at AxJ Finance Brokers. Whether you're purchasing residential or commercial property, our expert brokers understand the complexities of SMSF lending and work with you to structure finance that meets strict compliance requirements while supporting your long-term goals. With access to over 40 lenders and tailored advice every step of the way, we make SMSF property investment smoother, smarter, and fully supported.

Meet The Team

Jason Kuan

Founder & Mortgage Broker

Jason is the principal finance broker at AxJ Finance Brokers. Prior to joining the mortgage industry in 2013, he worked with several real estate agencies and developers in sales and real estate market research.

Outside of the financial world Jason loves spending time with his family and walking the beautiful green areas Melbourne has to offer.

Audrey

Operations Director

Audrey looks after our people and the culture of our company. She keeps everyone sane and ensures that our organisation is operating effectively.

Kate

Loan Processor & Administrator

Kate has been an integral contributor of Jason & Audrey’s team since 2017. She oversees all loan submissions, ensuring all bases are covered for our lenders to make a timely and informed decision on our submissions.

Meet AxJ Finance Brokers Team

Office Hours

Monday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Schedule a Call

Mortgage Solutions

🏠

First Home Buyer

Finding the Right Mortgage for First Home Buyers.

Start Your First Home Journey

📈

Investment Loans

Grow your property portfolio with strategic investment loans.

Grow Your Investment Portfolio

📜

Trust Loans

Loans designed for properties held in a trust structure.

Explore Trust Loan Options

🔄

Refinancing

Review your mortgage and access better loan products.

See Refinance Opportunities

🏘️

Rentvesting

Invest where you can afford while living where you love.

Learn About Rentvesting

💰

Equity Release

Unlock equity in your home for retirement or other needs.

Unlock Your Home Equity

Custom Loans

🔑

Low-Deposit Loans

Helping you get into the property market with a smaller deposit.

See Low-Deposit Options

🌉

Bridging Loans

Simplify your move from one property to another.

Bridge the Gap Between Homes

🛡️

LMI Waived Loans

Save thousands with waived Lenders Mortgage Insurance.

Find LMI Waived Loans

🧱

Renovation Loans

Upgrade your home with custom renovation financing.

Fund Your Renovation Plans

🏢

Commercial Property

Finance solutions for buying or investing in commercial real estate.

Finance Commercial Property

🏦

Home Equity Loans

Tap into the equity in your home to achieve your financial goals.

Access Your Home’s Equity

🏖️

Holiday Home Loans

Make your dream holiday property a reality.

Holiday Home Loans

🌿

Green Home

Loans for energy-efficient and sustainable homes.

Go Green with Home Loans

💳

Tax Debt Consolidation

Consolidate your tax debts into a manageable loan.

Consolidate Tax Debts

👴

Retirement Mortgages

Secure lending options tailored for retirees.

Loans for Retirement Life

↩️

Reverse Mortgages

Unlock income from your home’s equity during retirement.

Explore Reverse Mortgages

➡️

Changing Home Loans

Switch to a loan that suits your current lifestyle.

Change Your Home Loan

🏡

Second Home Loans

Finance options to purchase your second property.

Buy a Second Property

♻️

Debt Recycling

Turn your home loan into an investment engine by recycling debt strategically.

Learn About Debt Recycling

By Profession

🩺

Doctors

Specialist home loans tailored to medical professionals.

Home Loans for Doctors

👩‍⚕️

Nurses

Flexible home loans designed for nursing professionals.

Explore Nurse Loan Options

⚖️

Lawyers

Expert guidance and lending options for legal professionals.

See Lawyer Loan Solutions

📚

Teachers

Tailored home loans for education professionals.

Loans for Teachers

📊

Accountants

Choose to a loan that suits you.

Loan Solution for Accountants

🛠️

Engineers

Specialist home loan options and LMI waivers tailored for engineers.

Explore Engineer Home Loans

👨‍💼

Sole Traders

Flexible home loan solutions tailored for self-employed and sole traders.

See Sole Trader Loan Options

🧾

Self-Employed Loans

Flexible home loan options for business owners and freelancers.

Loans for Self-Employed

💼

Investors

Tailored strategies and lending solutions for experienced investors.

Let's Talk Strategies

Rates & Updates

📉

Latest Interest Rate Update

Stay informed with the most recent rate changes and news.

Check the Latest Rates

📝

Blogs & Guides

Learn About the Best Mortgage Strategies, Tips & Guides

Insights & Broker Advice

Why Us

Award-Winning Mortgage Brokers

Consistently ranked among Australia’s leading brokers, with multiple industry accolades under our belt.

Experience

With decades of hands-on experience and deep market insight, our Melbourne-based founder delivers tailored financial outcomes for every client.

Clear & Client-Focused Solutions

Complimentary Consultation: Expert advice with no strings attached.
Strategic Mortgage Planning: Aligned with your goals and life stage.
Seamless Support: We manage the entire process—from paperwork to settlement.

Smarter Loans, Better Homes

Whether you’re buying your first home, expanding your portfolio, or seeking tailored solutions, we simplify the journey with competitive rates and expert guidance.

Melbourne’s Most Trusted Mortgage Specialists

With over 320 five-star reviews, our Melbourne-based team is known for personal service, trusted advice, and local market expertise.

Accredited & Respected in the Industry

Fully endorsed by MFAA & FBAA, our credentials reflect our dedication to professional excellence and ethical lending practices.

Fully Licensed & Compliance Assured

We expertly manage complex compliance requirements to deliver a smooth and stress-free lending experience.

Take the First Step – Speak to an Expert Broker

Call Now: 03 8371 0027 for a no-obligation chat with a Melbourne-based expert and explore your best mortgage options.

Tailored Financial Strategies for Every Goal

From first homes to refinancing, our strategies are built around your lifestyle, ambitions, and long-term financial success.

Banks vs. AxJ Finance Brokers – The Smarter Choice

Discover why more Melbourne clients are choosing AxJ Finance Brokers over traditional banks—thanks to our hands-on service, broader lending network, and client-first mindset.

Traditional Banks

Customers are treated as just another number in the system.

AxJ Finance Brokers

Clients enjoy personalised guidance and tailored financial solutions.

Limited loan options with rigid policies.

Access to 40+ lenders offering flexible mortgage solutions.

Slow approval times with complicated processes.

Faster approvals and clear support through every stage.

Focus on maximising profits for the bank.

Your goals come first—we work for you, not the lender.

Generic mortgage plans that lack flexibility.

Custom mortgage strategies built around your needs.

Call centers with minimal personal engagement.

One-on-one support from a dedicated broker in Melbourne.

Mortgage & Finance Calculators

Use our easy-to-use calculators to plan your financial future.

Borrowing Power

Budget Planner

Buying & Selling Costs

Partner with AxJ for Trusted SMSF Loan Support

Leveraging your SMSF to invest in property is a powerful strategy, but it requires careful planning and expert guidance to navigate the complexities involved. At AxJ, our seasoned finance brokers in Melbourne are dedicated to providing the support you need to make informed investment decisions with confidence.

With our deep understanding of SMSF loans, AxJ ensures that you stay compliant with regulations, simplifies the loan application process, and helps you avoid common pitfalls. We focus on optimising loan solutions that align with your financial goals, ensuring that your retirement savings work harder for you. Connect with us today to take the next step toward securing your financial future.

Questions Answered For Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) Loans

Yes, you can refinance your existing self-managed super fund loan. Refinancing can be beneficial if interest rates have dropped or your financial situation has changed. It’s worth exploring refinancing options to see if there are better terms available to suit your needs.

Borrowing within your SMSF involves obtaining a loan to purchase an investment property. The loan is structured under a Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangement, which means the lender’s claim is limited to the property itself. The purchased property is held in a custodian trust until the loan is repaid. Any income generated from the property is reinvested into the SMSF to help repay the loan or increase the fund value.

A Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangement (LRBA) is a special borrowing structure that allows your SMSF to borrow money to buy an investment property. Under an LRBA, the lender’s recourse is limited to the property purchased with the borrowed funds, protecting other assets within the SMSF. This arrangement helps manage risk while enabling your SMSF to leverage investment opportunities.

No, the big four banks in Australia (ANZ, Commonwealth Bank, NAB, and Westpac) stopped offering SMSF loans in 2018. However, AxJ can help you secure an SMSF loan, as we have access to lenders that still provide SMSF lending. Contact us today to learn more!

Business Information

AxJ Finance Brokers, a trusted mortgage broker in Melbourne, specialises in providing personalised loan solutions to help you navigate the dynamic property market with ease. Led by principal broker Jason, our team is dedicated to delivering tailored, responsive, and proactive mortgage services, ensuring your financial journey is smooth and successful.

Tools

Locations

Melbourne

Loans

Opening Hours

Monday to Friday: 9AM to 5PM
Saturday by appointment

This page provides general information only and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. We recommend that you consider whether it is appropriate for your circumstances and your full financial situation will need to be reviewed prior to acceptance of any offer or product. It does not constitute legal, tax or financial advice and you should always seek professional advice in relation to your individual circumstances.

All finance applications and variations are subject to lenders terms and conditions. Fees and charges and eligibility criteria apply.

Mortgage brokers in Melbourne and surrounding areas, guiding your financial journey seamlessly.

Australian Credit Licence 550893