Invest
Could commercial property be SMSFs’ new darling?
Investing off-the-plan may be off the table for SMSFs but commercial property could step up to fill the gap, a property lender has said.
Could commercial property be SMSFs’ new darling?
Investing off-the-plan may be off the table for SMSFs but commercial property could step up to fill the gap, a property lender has said.

SMSF trustees are increasingly finding the commercial property market an attractive space, the CEO of commercial property lender Thinktank has said.
According to Jonathan Street, it’s the result of falling interest in the residential market coupled with growing understanding of the commercial business sector as actual owners or occupiers.
“Commercial property can also play a significant role as part of a retirement planning strategy for many small business people,” he said.
“In our experience many SMSF trustees, as owners of small to medium businesses (SMEs), have direct involvement with commercial property and as such appreciate the investment opportunities this property sector offers.”

These same investors are witnessing a burgeoning apartment oversupply.
“While concerns are expressed by the regulators about ‘small-sized’ SMSFs investing in residential property, often through off-the-plan purchases, our experience suggests there is more informed interest in commercial property,” Mr Street continued, adding that business owners are afforded extra protection given the equity in owner-occupier premises is protected from creditors or administrators.
However, he also noted government concern about SMSFs’ use of limited recourse borrowing arrangements (LRBAs) to purchase property.
“Often mentioned in any analysis of SMSF portfolios is the growth in LRBAs that have gone from a modest $2.5 billion in June 2012 to $31.4 billion in December 2017,” he said.
“While this rate of growth received a lot of attention in the Murray Financial System Inquiry, it largely ignored the small percentage that it represents of total SMSF assets. These LRBAs are secured mostly by direct property, both residential and non-residential, and of these assets it represents only 19.2 per cent.”
Mr Street anticipates SMSF interest in this sector is set to grow, as the advantages are substantial in Australia’s weak growth environment.
His words come as the CEO of property research group RiskWise calls for SMSFs to reconsider their off-the-plan purchases and Westpac backs away from SMSF lending.

Property
North platform adds household reporting feature to boost adviser efficiency
AMP's North platform has launched consolidated household reporting across multiple client accounts, helping financial advisers streamline their client review processes. Read more

Property
What Adds The Most Value To Properties?
Wondering how to up the value of your property? Properties are worth a lot of money in general, but there’s always a way to maximise value. The good news is that most of the things you can do to ...Read more

Property
Centuria reports strong growth in alternative real estate sectors for FY24
Centuria Capital Group has reported significant growth in alternative real estate sectors for the 2024 financial year, driving stable performance and increased guidance for FY25. Read more

Property
How to leverage equity in your home for investment or renovation
Home equity, the value of your property minus any debts owed, is a powerful financial resource many homeowners in Australia can utilize to further their financial goals. Whether you're looking to ...Read more

Property
Exploring REITs: Real estate investment without buying property
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) offer a compelling investment alternative for those interested in the real estate market but may not want to endure the complexities and capital requirements of ...Read more

Property
Retirement communities: a pivotal element in meeting Australia's housing targets
The Retirement Living Council (RLC) has recommended that retirement communities should be considered a vital part in the Australian Government's initiative to fulfill the Housing Australia Future Fund ...Read more

Property
Australians adjust financial strategies amid changing property market dynamics
The 2023 calendar year saw Australian borrowers acquiring a total of $300.9 billion in new loans for property purchases, marking a 12.7% decrease from the previous year. Read more

Property
Split home loans unlocking doors for Aussie buyers
Australians are teaming up to dive into the real estate market and seize the advantages of home ownership, with the trend of split home loans surging as family and friends unite to buy properties ...Read more

Property
North platform adds household reporting feature to boost adviser efficiency
AMP's North platform has launched consolidated household reporting across multiple client accounts, helping financial advisers streamline their client review processes. Read more

Property
What Adds The Most Value To Properties?
Wondering how to up the value of your property? Properties are worth a lot of money in general, but there’s always a way to maximise value. The good news is that most of the things you can do to ...Read more

Property
Centuria reports strong growth in alternative real estate sectors for FY24
Centuria Capital Group has reported significant growth in alternative real estate sectors for the 2024 financial year, driving stable performance and increased guidance for FY25. Read more

Property
How to leverage equity in your home for investment or renovation
Home equity, the value of your property minus any debts owed, is a powerful financial resource many homeowners in Australia can utilize to further their financial goals. Whether you're looking to ...Read more

Property
Exploring REITs: Real estate investment without buying property
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) offer a compelling investment alternative for those interested in the real estate market but may not want to endure the complexities and capital requirements of ...Read more

Property
Retirement communities: a pivotal element in meeting Australia's housing targets
The Retirement Living Council (RLC) has recommended that retirement communities should be considered a vital part in the Australian Government's initiative to fulfill the Housing Australia Future Fund ...Read more

Property
Australians adjust financial strategies amid changing property market dynamics
The 2023 calendar year saw Australian borrowers acquiring a total of $300.9 billion in new loans for property purchases, marking a 12.7% decrease from the previous year. Read more

Property
Split home loans unlocking doors for Aussie buyers
Australians are teaming up to dive into the real estate market and seize the advantages of home ownership, with the trend of split home loans surging as family and friends unite to buy properties ...Read more