15/07/2026
The key change is that Self-Managed Super Funds (SMSFs) can no longer enter into new Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangements (LRBAs) to acquire residential property from 10 August 2026. Existing arrangements are grandfathered, meaning they can continue under the previous rules.
Here's what that means:
Existing SMSF residential property loans: No change. If your SMSF already has a residential property under an LRBA before the commencement date, it can continue under the existing borrowing arrangement.
New residential purchases using borrowing: No longer permitted after the commencement date. SMSFs may still purchase residential property using available cash within the fund, but not by establishing a new LRBA.
Commercial property: The reform is directed at residential property borrowing. Borrowing for eligible business real property remains available under the existing LRBA framework, subject to the usual SMSF rules.
Why was the law changed?
The government stated the reform was intended to:
reduce leveraged demand for residential housing,
reinforce the retirement-income purpose of superannuation, and
address concerns that SMSF borrowing could increase financial system risk.
The measure formed part of a broader tax reform package negotiated between the government and the Greens.
Impact on investors
For people planning to use an SMSF loan to buy residential investment property, this is one of the biggest SMSF property changes in over a decade. Investors will generally need to consider alternatives such as:
buying residential property within the SMSF without borrowing,
investing in commercial property through the SMSF (where eligible),
or holding residential investment property outside super.
If you're writing content for clients or investors, this is a timely topic. A post titled "The End of SMSF Borrowing for Residential Property: What Every Australian Investor Needs to Know" would likely attract strong interest because many people are still unaware of the change.
Call us on 0468 332 187 for more information.