A guided read on whether your self-managed super fund looks likely to qualify for a property loan through a Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangement (LRBA) — measured against typical SMSF-lending rules of thumb, with a plain-English “why” for each.
Defaults reflect common SMSF-lending rules of thumb across the market (all as at 3 Jun 2026). They are general market rules of thumb, NOT a specific lender’s policy. Editing them changes the read live.
SMSF-lending rules of thumb current as at 3 June 2026 — verify before relying.
SMSF-lending rules of thumb current as at 3 June 2026 — verify before relying.
A self-managed super fund can borrow to buy property only through a limited recourse borrowing arrangement (LRBA): the asset is held in a separate holding trust, and the lender's recourse is limited to that asset. Fewer lenders operate in this space, and the deposit, liquidity and structure requirements are stricter than standard home loans. This checker gives an indicative read on whether your fund's position is in the zone lenders look for.
A limited recourse borrowing arrangement is the structure super law requires for SMSF borrowing: the fund borrows to buy a single acquirable asset held in a holding (bare) trust, and if the loan defaults the lender can claim only that asset, not the rest of the fund.
Most major banks have left the SMSF lending market, so it's served mainly by non-bank lenders. Expect lower maximum LVRs, minimum fund-liquidity requirements and higher rates than an equivalent standard home loan.
No. Residential property acquired by an SMSF can't be lived in or rented by fund members or related parties. Commercial premises used by a member's business — business real property — operate under different rules.
General information only — not financial, credit, tax or superannuation advice. SMSF lending is a specialist area; get personal advice before acting.