Rick Lopez

Buying property with SMSF - Regulations to comply upon!

If you want to purchase a Self-managed super fund property, commonly abbreviated as SMSF property, here are some of the tips and rules to follow:

For buying property with SMSF, check that the property meets the 'solr purpose test's of offering a retirement benefits to the fund members. It should not be lived or acquired by a fund member or the related parties. Even, such a property cannot be rented by a fund member or related parties.

On the contrary, a commercial premises can be leased to a fund member for any business purpose, specifying a set of rules at an ongoing market rate.

What are the basic costs of an SMSF property?

The usual costs for an SMSF property include the legal fees, stamp duty, upfront fees, advice fees, ongoing management fees of the property, bank and loan costs, and the commissions payable to real estate agents and developers.

Risks associated with an SMSF property

• An SMSF property may prove to be more expensive than other property loans. You must have sufficient liquidity to bear the insurance premium costs, the loan repayment fees, retirement pension payments and other associated lumpsum withdrawals.

• No alterations to the property is allowed until you have had paid off the SMSF property loan. You should not apply any means that will change the nature of the property.

• Difficulty in cancellation of these SMSF properties is another added downside. In case there is any dispute in the loan documents or contract, there is no going back! As a result, you will be left with no other option but to sell off the property at a substantial loss to the SMSF.

Is Brisbane a good place to invest?

Definitely, Brisbane is a good place to invest on properties, particularly if you are situated near to areas in Chermside, New Farm and West End. These areas have stronger rental yields in Australia with low vacancy rates and an affordable housing provision. The population of these suburbs are rapidly increasing over time, with a lot of amenities in close vicinity. These locations are constantly developing with family friendly environments, top schools, readily available medical facilities and a lot more.

Author resource:-

Rick Lopez advises people about real estate, property investment, property management and affordable housing schemes.