Comparing SMSF Commercial Property Loan Rates
SMSF loans are a popular way for investors to invest in commercial property. In fact, more...
23 Aug, 2023
Lender | Home Loan | Interest Rate | Comparison Rate* | Monthly Repayment | Repayment type | Rate Type | Offset | Redraw | Ongoing Fees | Upfront Fees | LVR | Lump Sum Repayment | Additional Repayments | Split Loan Option | Tags | Features | Link | Compare |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
6.99%p.a. | 7.00%p.a. | $2,659 | Principal & Interest | Variable | $0 | $230 | 70% | Featured INCLUDES NOV RBA RATE INCREASE |
| |||||||||
7.19%p.a. | 7.74%p.a. | $2,712 | Principal & Interest | Variable | $395 | $1,185 | 60% |
| ||||||||||
7.09%p.a. | 7.16%p.a. | $2,685 | Principal & Interest | Variable | $0 | $995 | 80% | |||||||||||
7.24%p.a. | 7.25%p.a. | $2,726 | Principal & Interest | Variable | $0 | $0 | 70% | |||||||||||
7.49%p.a. | 8.04%p.a. | $2,794 | Principal & Interest | Variable | $395 | $1,185 | 80% |
| ||||||||||
7.40%p.a. | 7.79%p.a. | $2,770 | Principal & Interest | Variable | $395 | $1,920 | 80% | |||||||||||
7.74%p.a. | 7.75%p.a. | $2,863 | Principal & Interest | Variable | $0 | $0 | 80% | |||||||||||
8.19%p.a. | 9.11%p.a. | $2,988 | Principal & Interest | Variable | $395 | $1,185 | 90% |
| ||||||||||
7.49%p.a. | 7.50%p.a. | $2,794 | Principal & Interest | Variable | $0 | $230 | 80% | Featured INCLUDES NOV RBA RATE INCREASE |
|
Interest rates on SMSF loans are typically much higher than rates on home loans, however, with the cash rate likely to have reached its peak, interest rates on SMSF loans could slowly start to trend downwards.
Some SMSF lenders are now willing to consider refinance deals, so if it’s been a while since you’ve taken a look at your loan, it’s worthwhile shopping around and seeing what’s out there.
Here are some of the lowest rates on SMSF loans in our database for the month.
Brand |
Product |
Advertised rate % per annum |
|
---|---|---|---|
loans.com.au |
SMSF 70 |
6.74% |
6.75% |
WLTH |
Ocean SMSF 60 P&I ($50k - $2m) |
6.94% |
7.46% |
Firstmac |
SMSF 70 (Refinance Special) |
6.99% |
7.00% |
La Trobe Financial |
SMSF Residential |
7.09% |
7.16% |
Reduce Home Loans |
Ezy Express SMSF (Interest Only) (LVR 60%-65%) |
7.39% |
7.44% |
Rates correct as of 2 November. Rates may differ to comparison table above.
Borrowers who are making contributions to their self-managed super fund (SMSF) can take advantage of an SMSF loan to finance an investment property.
To have a deeper understanding of SMSF loans, borrowers must first have a good grasp of the concept of SMSF and how it is run. In essence, SMSFs work similarly to other funds that help borrowers save for retirement. The difference, however, is that members of an SMSF (usually up to six) are also the trustees and are ultimately responsible for complying with super and tax laws.
An SMSF loan refers to financing that allows SMSF to invest in property, providing an opportunity for the fund to buy larger value assets.
SMSF loans are typically used to fund residential and commercial property purchases, which are used to help grow the members’ retirement savings.
It is crucial to take note, however, that any property financed through an SMSF loan must not be used for the benefit of a fund member — this means that the property cannot be lived in or rented out to a member or any related parties.
SMSF loans cannot also be used to acquire assets from a member.
However, an exception to the rule is when the financing is used to invest in commercial property — this can be leased to a fund member for their business provided that the lease follows the current market rate.
A legal SMSF loan is in a limited recourse borrowing arrangement or LRBA.
In an LRBA, an SMSF trustee takes out a loan from a third-party lender. This trustee, then, utilises the funds to purchase a single asset to be held in a separate trust.
Any investment returns earned from the asset go to the SMSF trustee.
In the event that the loan defaults, the lender’s rights will be limited to the asset held in the separate trust — this means that the other assets held within the SMSF will not be affected, only the one in which the loan is secured against.
Not all lenders offer SMSF loans — those that do often charge higher interest for SMSF loans than for regular home loans, since they are designed for the purchase of an investment commercial or residential property.
Here are some lenders that offer SMSF loans:
As of the end of June 2020, SMSFs had assets of over $1.3m on average. Meanwhile, 94% of SMSF members had a balance of below $1.6m, with the remaining reporting balances of over $1.6m.
Lenders typically require SMSF to have around 10% to 20% in their account after the proceeds of the settlement. This is to ensure that the fund can pay for any expenses that could potentially occur after settlement.
Applying for an SMSF loan to purchase property works similarly to applying for a regular home loan. However, there may be some tweaks prior to and post the application. Here is how an SMSF loan application generally works:
Just like with regular home loans, lenders often have their own criteria when assessing SMSF borrowers.
However, one of the most significant challenges SMSF borrowers have to face is ensuring that the funds are able to cover the servicing costs of the loan.
Some of the factors banks use to assess SMSF loan applications include the following:
Aside from the SMSF’s purpose of adding value to the retirement savings of the members, buying a property through an SMSF loan has several benefits:
Properties purchased under an SMSF loan pay for themselves through rental income.
Another good reason to borrow through an SMSF is the LRBA — the fund can securely diversify into a property and increase profits in the long run.
With an SMSF loan, funds can now take on investments of higher-value properties, some of which could be worth more than the funds themselves.
SMSF loans can be used to repair existing fixtures and fund maintenance works in a property owned by the SMSF.
SMSFs are typically taxed at a rate well below most Australians’ marginal tax rates. Furthermore, capital gains on properties held by the SMSF are assessed at a discounted rate.
While there are huge benefits to borrowing through an SMSF, there are also some major downsides.
Getting an SMSF up and running is already tedious and adding a property investment will only make matters more complicated. While the fund can hire professionals to get things done, the responsibility of making sure everything meets compliance standards ultimately falls under the trustees’ shoulders.
Also read: Seven-step guide to using SMSF in property investing
SMSF Loans are charged with higher interest rates than regular home loans.
While SMSF loans can be used to repair and maintain the property, they cannot be used to make additions to the property, like building a granny flat or extending rooms.
SMSF is considered riskier given the compliance requirements needed to securely carry out property investments.
Given the risks associated with SMSF loans on the side of the banks, many lenders, including the big four banks, have decided to cease offering such to borrowers.
Yourmortgage.com.au's answers to the most frequently asked questions in SMSF
Just like any superannuation fund, an SMSF can be used to invest and save for your retirement. Any profits generated over the life of the SMSF can be accessed once you reach the appropriate age.
SMSF is a "do-it-yourself" super and setting it up involves assembling your team, appointing your trustees, obtaining a trust deed, registering with the Australian Tax Office, opening a dedicated bank account, and investing in assets that could help generate profits for your retirement.
No, Australian Retirement Trust is an industry fund, which is open to the public and is managed by an established trust. SMSF works like an industry fund where the profits generated are for the retirement of the members - the difference, however, is SMSF is a private fund that is managed by the members themselves.
How much you can borrow with your SMSF depends on the structure and type of investments, but for residential assets, you can borrow around 65% to 80% of their value.
Yes, you can live in the property previously named under your SMSF provided that you have already reached the preservation (retirement) age, which would legally allow you to access your superannuation.
Furthermore, the property must have passed the "sole purpose test" when it was held under your SMSF. This means that any proceeds generated from the property must be for the benefit of the members of the fund.
Moving into the property purchased by your SMSF means that you will be selling the property and transferring the property under your name. You will have to check first whether you can do so without having to pay for stamp duty. Check with your state/territory laws to see the rules surrounding the "in-specie" transfer.
A self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF) is a type of superannuation fund that you manage yourself, meaning you have control of the investments the funds make and any profits generated will be for you and the other members retirement.
Not sure which type of loan is best for your needs?
Your Mortgage can help you find out.