SMSF commercial loans for SMSF trusteeslenders who understand bare trusts
SMSF commercial loans in Australia: typically $200k to $5m at 65–75%, over 15–30 years, settling in 28–56 days once security and entity documents are in hand. Limited-recourse borrowing that lets a self-managed super fund buy business real property, often the premises the members' business trades from.
- Coordinates directly with accountant and lawyerWhat we bring
- Understands bare trust and LRBA structuresWhat we bring
- Compliance checklist provided upfrontWhat we bring
Indicative terms in three minutes
Business-purpose and investment finance only. No credit check at this stage.
“Is this even allowed under super law”
We hear this constantly. The honest answer is that it depends on security, exit and documentation — which is exactly what the enquiry form asks — and that the lenders on our panel — banks, private lenders and specialist funds alike — price those three things, not the label on the borrower.
“Our accountant says it's too complicated” — a fair concern, and one we address in writing before any application is lodged.
“What if the fund can't service the loan” — a fair concern, and one we address in writing before any application is lodged.
Typical pain points: Few lenders will touch SMSF loans; Bare trust structure confuses most brokers; LRBA rules limit what's allowed; Settlement timeline clashing with fund compliance. What we bring: coordinates directly with accountant and lawyer, understands bare trust and lrba structures, compliance checklist provided upfront.
How we work.
From the first call to the final drawdown, each step is led by a principal — not a queue.
Tell us the scenario
Purpose, amount, security and timeframe — the qualifier takes about three minutes and every answer maps to how our lender panel assesses smsf commercial loans.
Indicative terms
A specialist reviews the scenario and comes back with an indicative structure, pricing range and the documents needed. Urgent scenarios get a call within minutes during business hours.
Credit and valuation
The lender assesses security, entity and exit. For smsf commercial loans this is typically 28–56 days end to end.
Settlement
Solicitors settle, funds are released, and the deal is tracked to its exit in our CRM so refinancing or the next facility is ready before the term ends.
Questions we are asked.
Can my SMSF borrow to buy my own business premises?
Yes, provided the arrangement meets the limited recourse borrowing rules and the property is business real property acquired at arm's length. The fund borrows through a bare trust structure, and the loan is limited recourse to that single asset. ⚠ Your accountant or SMSF adviser should confirm the fund is eligible before we proceed.
What is a bare trust and why does my SMSF loan need one?
A bare trust holds legal title to the property on behalf of the SMSF while the loan is in place, which is a structural requirement of a limited recourse borrowing arrangement, not an optional extra. Lenders on our panel are set up to work with this structure specifically, rather than treating it as unusual.
How is an SMSF commercial loan different from a normal commercial mortgage?
The lender's recourse is limited to the single asset held in the bare trust, which changes how the loan is structured and who can lend it, since not every commercial lender offers LRBA facilities. Serviceability is also assessed against the fund's own income and contributions, not the trustee's personal finances.
Can an SMSF loan settle on a tight timeline?
It can, though the bare trust and compliance steps need to be in place before settlement, so timing works best when the fund's adviser is engaged early. We coordinate with your accountant and lawyer from the start to avoid the structure becoming the thing that delays settlement.
What deposit does an SMSF typically need for a commercial property loan?
It varies by lender and property type, but SMSF facilities are generally more conservative on loan-to-value ratio than a standard commercial mortgage, reflecting the limited recourse structure. We confirm the applicable LVR once a lender has reviewed the specific property and the fund's position.
Does my SMSF need to already own the business to use this?
No, but the property must be business real property used wholly for business purposes, and where the fund's own related party leases it, that lease needs to be on commercial, arm's-length terms. ⚠ Your SMSF adviser confirms eligibility; we focus on placing the loan itself.
How fast can smsf commercial loans settle?
Typically 28–56 days from a complete application, depending on valuation, legal and lender workload. Speed depends on how quickly security and entity documents are available.
How much can I borrow with smsf commercial loans?
Our panel typically funds from $200,000 to $5,000,000, at 65–75%. Larger or more complex facilities are structured case by case across banks, private lenders and specialist funds.
What security is needed?
The property, held by a bare trust. The stronger and more liquid the security, the sharper the pricing.
Is this a consumer loan?
No. Solara arranges business-purpose and investment-purpose finance only. If your purpose is personal or for owner-occupied housing, this product is not suitable and we will say so.
Related finance.
Not quite the right product? Every loan type we arrange.
Most scenarios can be structured more than one way. Browse the alternatives, or tell us the situation and we'll recommend the structure.