Buyer's agent for self-managed super funds

Expert Buyer’s Agent for property investment through your super

Buying property with superannuation can be a fantastic way to diversify your investment portfolio and take care of your financial future. However, it’s not without its complexities. If you’re considering using super to buy an investment property, Search Property is here to guide you every step of the way.

We provide an end-to-end service, from referring you to partner accountants who can advise and set up your SMSF to purchase property. Whether your goal is to sustain additional retirement benefits or generate capital growth, Search Property does all the heavy lifting in bringing these ambitions to life. Explore our SMSF buyer’s agent service and book a free discovery call with us today.

buy property through SMSF

Our SMSF buyer's agent service

Buying property with super is made possible with Search Property. Over the years, we’ve assisted many clients source, secure and purchase an investment property through their SMSF. To do this, we use our tried and true five-step SMSF buyer’s agent approach:

Start!

Our first step starts with an initial conversation about your goals with your SMSF to buy an investment property. If you think we're a fit, all we need you to do is sign an agreement and pay the retainer!

Strategy

We'll talk through your end goal, using super to buy an investment property. We understand that this may be your first time purchasing a property this way, which is why we’ll always point you in the right direction to ensure your success. If you need help setting up SMSF structures or with finance to buy an investment property with super, we'll refer you to our industry partners.

Source

We'll search far and wide to find the right properties that align with your portfolio goals for buying an investment property with super. Our buyer’s agents have an extensive network of real estate professionals, providing clients with the best chance of success in finding a high-performing investment property through your super.

Secure

Once you’re happy with a property, we take over to seal the deal. We'll negotiate the property for you using your super to buy an investment property and provide a detailed report. We can help organise pest/build inspections and a conveyancer to move the process along.

Settlement

We'll guide you through to settlement of your investment property purchased through your super. We will check in after 6 months with an update on the performance of your property to keep you on track of achieving your goals.

Want to buy investment property through your SMSF but don't know where to start?

From greater control over your investments to lower fees, it’s no wonder why more Australians are choosing to set up an SMSF to safeguard their retirement. SMSFs also provide investors with ample flexibility with how they use the funds, with many opting to consider property investment.

If you need help setting up your self-managed super fund, obtaining finance to buy investment property with your super or just access to the right professionals for, we can introduce you to our extensive network. Get in touch today to discuss how to buy investment property with your super!

What is SMSF?

An SMSF, or self-managed super fund, is a type of private superannuation fund in Australia that you manage yourself, unlike other super funds that are managed by a fund manager. There are many reasons why people choose to set up an SMSF. Whether to hold greater control over their retirement savings to access tax benefits or explore a wider range of investment options, SMSFs help to support your financial future.

Buying property through an SMSF, offers benefits like capital growth and tax advantages, making SMSF property investment an attractive option for those seeking to diversify their retirement investments.

What are the benefits of buying investment properties through a self-managed super fund (SMSF)?

Thinking of adding property to your investment portfolio?
An SMSF can offer a unique pathway to property ownership, potentially unlocking significant benefits for your long-term financial strategy. Here are some of the benefits you can expect from this property investment approach:

Investment flexibility — Experience greater control over how you invest your super and enforced decision-making over how you use your retirement savings.

Alternative financial pathways — Secure finance with non-recourse borrowing options to buy an investment property with super.

Reduced tax rate — Tax rate of 15% on property income when using super to buy an investment property.

Ability to leverage property to accelerate the growth of your Super Fund.

What type of investment property can I buy using my super through SMSF?

While there are strict regulations over who can live in the investment property, you buy with your SMSF. Australians do have flexibility in terms of what kind of property they can purchase using their super.

As part of a super fund, you're able to purchase residential, commercial or industrial property. At Search Property, we specialise in sourcing residential investment properties in regional and metro areas, with a focus on strong yields and high capital growth, ideal for properties within an SMSF.

FAQs

What are the drawbacks of purchasing property through a self-managed super fund (SMSF)?

While purchasing property through an SMSF can be a smart investment strategy, there are several drawbacks property investors must consider. Borrowing through an SMSF requires a limited recourse borrowing arrangement (LRBA), which comes with higher deposit requirements (typically 20–30%) and stricter lending terms.Setting up and managing a self-managed super fund also involves various costs, including legal fees, compliance costs and ongoing management expenses, which you will need to factor into your budget.

What happens to my SMSF when I retire?

When you retire, your SMSF enters the retirement phase, meaning you can start drawing an income from your superannuation balance, including any property investments within the fund. It means you can sell investment properties that are in your SMSF and access the proceeds as a lump sum, subject to superannuation withdrawal rules.

Can you buy land with superannuation?

Yes, you can buy land through an SMSF, but there are strict conditions to do this. The land must be purchased for investment purposes. If you’re planning to use an SMSF loan, the land must generate income, meaning vacant land that doesn’t produce rent may not qualify for borrowing. If you’re purchasing land to develop, the SMSF cannot use borrowed funds for construction or major improvements.

How do I change my super to self-managed?

To switch your standard retail super fund to an SMSF, you must first set up an SMSF by establishing a trust, creating a trust deed and appointing trustees (either individual or corporate). The SMSF must then be registered with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and obtain an Australian Business Number (ABN) before opening a dedicated SMSF bank account. Then, transfer funds from your existing superannuation account into the SMSF bank account. Your accountant can do all of this for you.

As part of the process, you are also required to document a strategy that outlines how the fund will achieve retirement benefits while complying with superannuation laws.

What can’t you do with an SMSF?

First and foremost, all investments must be made solely to provide retirement benefits, not personal benefits. An SMSF cannot provide personal loans or financial assistance to its members.

A drawing of a house on a black background.

It’s not too late to start

So what are you waiting for? Whether you're aiming for capital growth or diversification, Search Property can help you buy property with super. Our team of buyer’s agents are ready to help you make big moves within the Australian property market.

Book a FREE discovery call

Disclaimer: Search Property Pty Ltd (SP) does not provide financial or investment advice and does not hold a financial services license as defined in the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth). Any advice given by SP is general in nature and does not take into account your personal circumstances or objectives, financial situation or needs.