SMSF Property Investment

Investing in Property using your Super

At properT network, we have highlighted some compelling reasons why many Australians are gravitating towards Self-Managed Super Funds (SMSF’s) for property investment.

Here’s a closer look at some industry the advantages mentioned, along with a few additional considerations:

Advantages for SMSF’s when investing in Property

1. Direct Control:

   • Investment Choices: SMSF’s allow you to select the specific properties that meet your investment criteria, whether residential, commercial, or industrial.
   • This level of control can lead to more tailored investment strategies.
   • Allowing you to match the ‘best fit’ investment vehicle (property) to your requirements, budget and purpose for your SMSF’s investment.

2. Potential for Higher Returns:

   • Consistent Income : Real estate can provide reliable rental income, which can be reinvested or used to fund other retirement expenses.
   • Capital Growth: Historically, property values tend to appreciate over time, providing the potential for significant capital gains.
     • Encapsulate the power of LEVERAGE : using the banks money to Leverage up into an investment where you can merely invest say 20% of your SMSF’s funds and borrow 80%. Meaning just 20% of your funds are working at 100% of the value of the investment.
   • Rental Income: Helps your SMSF pay down the loan and build up equity in your investment. Yields of 4.5% upwards to even 16% plus can be achieved.

3. Tax Advantages:

   • Lower Tax Rates : SMSF’s generally pay a tax rate of 15% on income, which is lower than most personal income tax rates.
     • Additionally, capital gains are taxed at a reduced rate of 10% if the asset is held for over a year.
   • Tax-Free Withdrawals / Income : Once you reach retirement age, withdrawals from the fund can be tax-free, further enhancing your retirement savings.
   • Depreciation : SMSF property can take advantage of utilising Depreciation against contributions to your SMSF, meaning a lower tax rate on contributions made. Speak to your accountant on how to initiate Depreciation.
   • Retirement : On retirement, you can enjoy 100% tax exemption on your rental income.
     • If you elect to sell the investment property, there is a formula as to how to achieve Capital Gains exemptions.
   • Deduction of Expenses incurred : SMSF property allows for tax deductions on expenses incurred by the SMSF in owning the Investment Property such as Interest, Rates, Insurances, Property management fees etc. (speak to your accountant to confirm what is deductible).

Additional Considerations

4. Diversification:
   • An SMSF can hold various asset types, not just property. This allows for a diversified investment portfolio, which can mitigate risk.
5. Borrowing Capacity:
   • SMSFs can borrow to invest in property, leveraging your investment to potentially increase returns. However, this comes with specific regulations and risks that must be carefully managed.
6. Estate Planning:
   • SMSFs can facilitate effective estate planning. Properties held in an SMSF can be passed on to beneficiaries, allowing for smoother transitions and potential tax benefits.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Regulatory Compliance: Managing an SMSF requires adherence to strict regulations set by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). This includes annual audits and compliance with superannuation laws.
• Time and Expertise: Successfully managing an SMSF, especially with property investments, requires a significant time commitment and understanding of the property market and or working with professional groups that understand Property Investment.
  • NB : not all property is worthy of investment and thus even fewer properties lend themselves to being Investment Grade worthy for SMSF’s.
• Costs: There are costs associated with running an SMSF, including setup fees, ongoing administrative costs, and potential legal advice.
  • What the industry demonstrates is that these fees are incurred in your Industry Fund under management fees / commissions your Industry Fund is already paying. And where you secure an investment property with a healthy rental yield, and you have leveraged up into the investment, the fees to set up a SMSF are worthwhile. Again speak to your accountant prior to making any decisions to set up a SMSF and the asset class you want to invest in.

Conclusion

SMSF’s provide a unique opportunity for Australians to take control of their retirement savings and retirement destinies through property investment, offering potential benefits in returns, the ability to leverage into your property investment, having a tenant help contribute to paying down the loan and tax efficiency. However, it’s crucial to weigh these advantages against the responsibilities and complexities involved in managing an SMSF. Consulting with financial advisors or experts in SMSF’s can help ensure you make informed decisions that align with your retirement goals. If you have any specific questions or need more information on what to invest in, location and more, feel free to ask! We have been helping our clients invest in Investment Grade worthy property for 18 years now, Australia wide.

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