You want to invest in property via a SMSF what do you need to consider?

There are different rules around Residential property than Commercial property when investing via a SMSF:

Residential

If buying a Residential Property you cannot purchase this from yourself or a relative or related party entity.  You also need to know that you cannot lease a residential property to yourself or a relative even if market rent was paid. 

The sole purpose test that applies to SMSFs requires that investments are bought only to build the retirement benefits of members NOT to benefit members.  So members and relatives cannot use the property for their own benefit at any time whilst owned by the fund.  Many people considering buying a property via the SMSF so that their son or daughter can live in it while they are away at uni – this is not allowed. Nor is buying a holiday property for you to use for your holidays whilst it is owned by the SMSF.

Commercial

If choosing to buy commercial property that your business will operate out of be aware that you will need the involvement of independent valuations for rent and the value of the property on a regular basis. 

The SMSF must issue a written lease to the business on commercial terms and the business must ensure it adheres to the agreement.  This means paying the rent on time at commercial rates.  The benefit of holding the property in super is the asset protection it achieves by being away from the business trading risks.  In addition it is a way to get more money into super that is not subject to the contribution caps (provided rent paid at market rate)

If you want buy in a SMSF and need to borrow how does this work?

A SMSF can undertake a limited recourse borrowing arrangement (LRBA) in order to purchase property and other assets.  They have increased in popularity but are subject to much speculation as to whether they will remain an option for SMSFs longer term.  Arrangements in place prior to any change will be able to continue but there may be restrictions around refinancing and the like – it is all unknown at this stage. But we do know it is available today if it is set up correctly.

Here is how it works:

• SMSF borrows funds (from bank or related party)
• Purchases a single acquirable asset
  • Have regard to properties with more than one title, one loan per title
  • Furniture if bought with a property ie a fully furnished apartment have to be separated from the contract for the property and paid for separately
• SMSF trustee receives the beneficial interest in the asset but the legal title is held via a bare trust arrangement where the trustee is a separate entity/person to the SMSF
  • Note this trustee must exist prior to the acquisition/auction

The benefit is that the lender’s recourse is only to the asset acquired under this arrangement.  If the loan is defaulted on they do not have recourse to any other assets held by the SMSF.  The downside is that there are significant upfront costs to establish the structure and bank legal fees that you wouldn’t incur if you bought it in your own name or the SMSF could afford the property outright.

The hard part is getting the appropriate documentation in place at the right time and ensuring the right name goes on to the title and the appropriate forms are lodged with stamp duty and title office at the required times.  If borrowing via a bank the transaction can take longer due to the review of all the legal documents required so you need to factor this in to settlement periods. It is imperative that you use legal and administrative businesses that deal with this regularly so know they know process and can get you through it in the most efficient way.

Property in a SMSF can be appropriate where you have the right mix of members, member balances, time of life and it fits your strategy and risk profile.  Don’t forget to factor in an exit strategy in the event of divorce or death of a member.

Do your homework

Whichever property scenario you are looking at whether it be for a SMSF or yourself personally the homework is much the same.  You need to consider whether it is appropriate for your stage of life, how it can be financed along with yield, expenses and capital growth expectations.  Work all this through some cashflow planning and you can make an informed decision. 

There are alternatives to LRBAs to finance and hold property with a SMSF depending on the property and your circumstances so it is important you discuss your needs with qualified SMSF Advisers.

Think you might want to invest via a SMSF but don’t have one yet?

What are the advantages of super as an investment vehicle?

• Asset protection – creditors cannot generally access money held in super if it was accumulated in the normal way
• Concessional tax rate of 15% on rental income when you are building your super balance and capital gains tax rate of 10% if asset sold was held more than 12 months
• Concessional tax rate of 0% on income and capital gains when the fund is providing you with an income stream (post age 60 generally)

Should you have a Self Managed Super Fund?

This depends on a lot of factors and you should speak to your adviser before making a decision.  Some things that can sway into the decision: