5.0 from 7 Reviews
If you have a Self-Managed Super Fund and you are thinking about using it to invest in property, you are not alone. Many Australians across the Gold Coast, Brisbane, and Greater Brisbane are exploring how their super can work harder for them through property investment. At digilend, we work with clients in Ashmore, Southport, Nerang, Robina, Mermaid Waters, Bundall, Palm Beach, Merrimac, Surfers Paradise, Clayfield, Windsor, and Miami to help them understand their SMSF loan options and connect them with the right lenders.
Before we get into the detail, it is important to note that the information on this page was compiled on 10 August 2026 and reflects significant legislative changes that came into effect on that date. The rules around SMSF loans have changed, and we strongly recommend speaking with a licensed SMSF specialist before making any decisions. digilend can help you understand the lending side of things, but the legal and compliance aspects of your fund are best handled by a qualified SMSF adviser or accountant.
Under the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993, superannuation funds are generally not allowed to borrow money. However, there is an exception called a Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangement, or LRBA. Under an LRBA, the property is held in a separate holding trust, sometimes called an SMSF bare trust, while your fund holds a beneficial interest in it. Once the loan is fully repaid, legal ownership transfers to the SMSF. One of the key protections of this structure is that if the loan defaults, only the asset held in the trust is at risk. Other assets in your fund are protected.
As your SMSF mortgage broker, digilend can help you compare SMSF lenders, understand deposit requirements, and work through loan LVR limits that apply to SMSF lending. SMSF loans typically require a higher deposit than standard home loans, and lenders assess borrowing capacity differently for super funds compared to individual borrowers.
This is where things have changed significantly. From 10 August 2026, new LRBAs entered into to purchase real property can only be used to acquire business real property. In plain terms, this means that if your SMSF wants to borrow money to buy a property on or after 10 August 2026, that property must qualify as business real property. Residential property can no longer be purchased using a new LRBA.
This does not mean your SMSF cannot own residential property. Your fund can still hold existing residential property, and it can acquire residential property without borrowing, subject to the usual rules. It also does not affect existing residential LRBAs entered into before 10 August 2026. If you exchanged a binding contract to buy a residential property before that date, you may still be protected under transitional provisions even if settlement occurs after that date.
If you are unsure whether your existing arrangement is affected, digilend can help you review your situation and connect you with the right professionals.
For clients looking to buy a commercial property with super, the good news is that SMSF commercial loans remain fully available. A Commercial SMSF property loan allows your fund to purchase a property that qualifies as business real property, which generally means land and buildings used wholly and exclusively in one or more businesses.
One of the most popular uses of an SMSF commercial loan is for business owners who want their super fund to purchase the premises their business operates from. The business then leases the property from the SMSF at market value on arm's length terms. This arrangement can work well for eligible business owners, but it must always satisfy the sole purpose test under the SIS Act, which requires that the fund is maintained solely to provide retirement benefits to members.
It is worth noting that not every property marketed as commercial will automatically qualify as business real property. Whether a property meets the definition depends on its actual use at the time of acquisition. Mixed-use properties require careful assessment. digilend works alongside SMSF specialists and accountants to make sure clients have the right advice before committing to a purchase.
One reason many people consider using super to buy a commercial investment property or residential investment property is the tax treatment inside a super fund. A complying SMSF pays tax at a concessional rate of 15 percent on assessable income, including SMSF rental income tax on rent received. When it comes to selling a property, the SMSF CGT discount may apply if the asset has been held for at least 12 months, potentially reducing the effective tax rate on the capital gain to around 10 percent. However, the actual outcome depends on a range of factors including the property's cost base, any capital losses, and the fund's overall tax position for that year.
For members in pension phase, there may be an exemption on investment income from assets supporting a retirement-phase income stream, known as exempt current pension income. Whether this applies in full or in part depends on whether the fund uses the segregated or proportionate method and whether all the relevant conditions are met.
From 1 July 2026, a new Division 296 tax applies to members whose total superannuation balance exceeds $3 million. This tax applies to a proportion of earnings above that threshold. Importantly, unrealised increases in property value do not trigger this tax on their own. However, SMSF rental income and realised capital gains may contribute to the calculation. This is a complex area and another reason to get specialist advice.
If you already have an SMSF loan and are thinking about refinancing, the rules differ depending on whether your loan is for residential or commercial property. For existing residential LRBAs entered into before 10 August 2026, refinancing to a new lender is still permitted under the post-commencement rules. For commercial LRBA refinancing, the 2026 changes do not apply at all.
When considering a residential loan refinance within an SMSF, it is important to understand that a significant change to the terms of an LRBA can end the existing arrangement and create a new one. A new arrangement entered into on or after 10 August 2026 involving residential property would not be compliant. digilend can help you compare SMSF lenders and understand what a refinance might look like for your fund, while making sure you get the right legal and compliance advice alongside the lending conversation.
The ATO also publishes safe harbour interest rates for SMSF LRBAs. If your arrangement does not meet arm's length terms, the income from it could be assessed as non-arm's length income and taxed at the highest marginal rate. Whether you are looking at a variable rate or an SMSF fixed rate, understanding the loan interest rate requirements for your fund is an important part of the SMSF loan application process.
At digilend, we help clients across the Gold Coast and Brisbane understand their investment loans options, including SMSF lending. Whether you are exploring a new SMSF commercial loan or reviewing an existing arrangement, our team is here to help you work through the lending side of things with clarity and confidence. We also work closely with clients considering commercial property loans outside of super, so we can help you compare your options across different structures.
Everything starts with a conversation. Reach out to us online, by phone, or by email. There is no pressure and no obligation. We just want to understand what you are trying to achieve, whether that is buying your first home, refinancing, or securing finance for your next investment.
We take the time to learn about your financial situation, your goals, and your timeline. This helps us build a clear picture of what you need so we can find the right solution for you, not just any solution.
Using our panel of lenders, we search the market to find loan options that suit your needs. We compare rates, fees, features, and lender policies to put together a strategy that works in your best interest.
We present you with our recommended options in plain language. No jargon, no confusion. We walk you through the numbers so you can make a confident and informed decision.
Once you are happy with the direction, we handle the paperwork. We prepare your application, gather the required documents, and make sure everything is in order before it goes to the lender. This helps avoid delays and improves your chances of a smooth approval.
We submit your application and manage the process from our end. We stay in regular contact with the lender and keep you updated every step of the way. If the lender needs anything extra, we handle it quickly so things keep moving.
Once your loan is approved and settled, our job is not done. We check in with you regularly to make sure your loan is still working for you. As your life changes, we are here to review your finance and make sure it keeps up.
At digilend, we believe great finance advice should be straightforward, personal, and built around you.
Mario is genuinely your true saviour. Mario has always been an exceptionally great, honest, respectful, trustworthy, genuine person while doing business with. He offers the available products in the market and explains the pros&cons of various products based on individual circumstances. He always thinks from clients perspective and gets the best deal for them as per their circumstances just like mine . I have dealt with Mario for more than 15 years and he has never let me down no matter what borrowing capacity/product was suitable to my needs at that moment. If you want the truth, no BS just talk to Mario.
Carol
I met Mario through my work practices and noted he was a finance broker. I never had an ongoing personal broker before as I never found a good one to trust. I decided to give him a crack and it was one of the better decisions I’ve made in life. He is down to earth, honest, organised, effective and goes over and above to get the best outcome for us. He even attends auctions, open homes and house calls with us and has become part of our inner sanctum. He even laughs at my jokes. I would highly recommend him to anyone who requires finance and property matters. Chris and Tanya
Christopher Fowke
Highly recommend. Mario and his team were a pleasure to deal with. Mario was very knowledgeable on the most suitable finance for me and he made the process so easy. I've since referred Mario to friends, and will definitely use Digilend again.
Jacqui
Mario helped my wife and I secure a commercial spot for our business, Mario was great to deal with and very professional highly recommended!
Sean Holdinghausen
When you go directly to a bank, you are only seeing what that one lender has to offer. A broker like digilend has access to a panel of lenders, which means we can look across multiple options and present you with a range of possibilities that suit your situation. We also understand the lending criteria of different lenders, which means we can help match you with lenders who are more likely to consider your application based on your circumstances. On top of that, we handle a lot of the communication and paperwork on your behalf, which saves you a significant amount of time and effort. Having someone in your corner who understands the process can make a real difference, especially if your situation is not straightforward.
The documents you need can vary depending on the type of loan and your personal circumstances, but there are some common ones that most lenders will ask for. These typically include proof of identity such as a passport or driver's licence, proof of income like recent payslips or tax returns, bank statements showing your savings and spending, details of any existing debts or liabilities, and information about the property if you have already found one. If you are self-employed, you may need to provide additional documents such as business financials. digilend will give you a clear checklist based on your specific situation so you know exactly what to pull together before we get started. Being prepared upfront can help things move along more smoothly.
Refinancing means replacing your existing home loan with a new one, either with your current lender or a different one. People refinance for all sorts of reasons. Some want to access the equity they have built up in their property, others want to consolidate debts, and some simply want to review whether their current loan still suits their needs. It is worth noting that refinancing is not always the right move for everyone, and there can be costs involved such as exit fees or application fees for a new loan. digilend can help you look at your current situation and weigh up whether refinancing could make sense for you. We will give you a clear picture so you can make an informed decision.
Yes, digilend works with self-employed clients regularly. We understand that being your own boss can make the loan application process feel a bit more complicated, because your income might look different on paper compared to someone who receives a regular payslip. Different lenders have different ways of assessing self-employed income, and some are more accommodating than others. We know which lenders are more likely to look favourably at self-employed applicants and what documentation you will typically need to support your application. Things like tax returns, business financials, and bank statements are often part of the picture. We will help you get your paperwork in order and put your best foot forward.
The deposit required can depend on a number of factors including the lender, the type of loan, and your overall financial situation. A deposit of 20% of the property purchase price is often seen as a common benchmark, but there are options available for people with smaller deposits. Some lenders may accept a lower deposit, though this can sometimes mean additional costs such as lenders mortgage insurance. There are also government schemes that may be worth looking into depending on your eligibility. digilend can help you understand what your deposit situation means for your options and what lenders may be willing to consider. We will always give you a clear picture of what is involved.
The timeline can vary quite a bit depending on your situation, the lender involved, and how quickly documents can be gathered and verified. Generally speaking, getting pre-approval can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, while full approval after you have found a property can take a similar amount of time. Some lenders move quicker than others, and having all your documents ready can help things move along. digilend will keep you updated throughout the process so you always know where things are at. We will also let you know upfront what to expect based on your specific circumstances so you are not left wondering what is happening.
In most cases, digilend is paid a commission by the lender when a loan is settled. This means that in many situations you do not pay us directly for our broking service. However, we believe it is important that you understand exactly how we are paid and any fees that may apply to your situation before we get started. We are required by law to be transparent about our remuneration, and we take that seriously. We will always explain how we are paid as part of our process so there are no surprises. If you have any questions about this at any point, just ask us and we will walk you through it clearly.
digilend can assist with a wide range of lending needs. This includes home loans for people buying a property, refinancing for those who want to review their current loan, investment property loans, car and asset finance, personal loans, and business lending. We work with a broad panel of lenders, which means we can look at options across different loan types rather than being limited to just one product or one bank. Every person's situation is different, so we take the time to understand what you are trying to achieve before we start looking at what might be available to you. If you are not sure whether we can help, just reach out and ask.
Absolutely. digilend works with clients right across the Gold Coast and Greater Brisbane region. Whether you are based in Surfers Paradise, Robina, Palm Beach, Southport, Nerang, Mermaid Waters, Bundall, Merrimac, Ashmore, Clayfield, Windsor, Miami, or anywhere nearby, we are here to help. We understand that people in these areas have different needs and circumstances, and we take the time to understand yours before we do anything else. You do not have to travel far or deal with someone who does not know your local area. digilend is right here in your community and ready to have a chat.
A finance and mortgage broker like digilend works as the go-between for you and a range of lenders. Instead of you having to contact multiple banks or lenders yourself, we do that legwork for you. We look at your situation, figure out what you need, and then search through a panel of lenders to find options that could suit you. We handle a lot of the paperwork, communication, and follow-up so you are not left doing it all on your own. Whether you are buying your first home, refinancing, or looking at a business loan, having a broker in your corner can make the whole process a lot more manageable.
SMSF lending has become more complex since the August 2026 rule changes. Whether you are looking at a commercial SMSF property loan or reviewing an existing arrangement, digilend is ready to help you understand your options and connect you with the right lenders. Book an appointment with our team today.
Book Appointment
