SMSF property Perth.

From 10 August 2026, no new fund-level residential Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangements can be written. Residential borrowing now runs through the SMSF / Unit Trust structure instead: the SMSF invests in a unit trust and the borrowing sits in the unit trust (not in the fund), typically a 20 to 30 percent deposit at around 7.75 percent, principal and interest, and unlike an old LRBA it can also fund construction and house-and-land builds. A cash residential purchase inside the fund also remains allowed. Existing residential LRBAs are fully grandfathered and continue as normal. Commercial LRBA (Business Real Property) is unaffected, and Perth has a deep commercial and industrial-strata market that fits well. Full breakdown at /insights/the-lates-news-on-smsf-borrowing/.

Yes. Fund-level residential LRBAs on new purchases closed on 10 August 2026, but your SMSF can still borrow for a Perth house through the SMSF / Unit Trust structure: the SMSF invests in a unit trust, and the loan sits in the unit trust (not in the fund), typically a 20 to 30 percent deposit (around 70 to 80 percent LVR) at about 7.75 percent, principal and interest. Unlike the old LRBA it can also fund construction and house-and-land builds. Your SMSF can also (a) buy Perth residential outright in cash if the fund has enough balance, (b) continue an existing residential LRBA already in place before the cut-off, or (c) borrow via a commercial LRBA to buy Perth commercial or industrial property.

For Perth residential through the SMSF / Unit Trust structure, a 20 to 30 percent deposit means roughly $180K to $250K of fund capital covers the deposit, WA stamp duty and buffer on a $650K Perth home, much less than buying outright. For a Perth commercial LRBA, typically $200K to $300K of fund capital covers deposit, WA stamp duty and buffer on a $400K to $700K commercial or industrial asset. A cash residential purchase remains an option where the fund can cover the full price plus duty and buffer (around $700K+ for a $650K house).

Residential through the SMSF / Unit Trust structure typically runs at around 70 to 80 percent LVR (a 20 to 30 percent deposit), with the borrowing held in the unit trust rather than the fund. Commercial LRBA (including property leased to a related business entity) typically supports 65 to 75 percent LVR depending on lender, tenant covenant and property type. A cash purchase is effectively 100 percent equity (no borrowing).

Yes. You can buy a Perth apartment through the SMSF / Unit Trust structure (borrowing held in the unit trust, around a 20 to 30 percent deposit), as a cash purchase inside the fund, or via an existing grandfathered residential LRBA. Small commercial strata (office, retail, industrial units) can still be acquired via commercial LRBA.

Perth metro is largely insulated from mining cycle volatility. The economy has diversified (services, healthcare, education, tech now bigger contributors). Mining cycle affects regional WA (Kalgoorlie, Karratha) much more directly than metro Perth, so metro commercial LRBA, the SMSF / Unit Trust residential structure and cash residential remain well-suited to SMSF holds.

Fund tax on yield drops to 0 percent. CGT on sale drops to 0 percent if sold while wholly in pension. Perth property keeps generating tax-free rental income that funds your pension drawdowns. This long-term thesis is unchanged by the August 2026 borrowing rules.

Yes, typically. FIFO income supports strong salary-sacrifice contributions into super, which builds SMSF balance faster than equivalent ordinary income. That capital growth in the fund makes the SMSF / Unit Trust structure, cash residential and commercial LRBA pathways more achievable over time.