Law change · 10 August 2026

SMSF property loans are ending.
The deadline: 10 August 2026.

The SMSF property loan rules
have now changed.

The Australian Government has passed a new law. From 10 August 2026, a self-managed super fund (SMSF) can no longer take out a new loan to buy residential property. Purchases where contracts are signed before that date can still go ahead under today's rules.

Days
Hours
Minutes

until the new rules start · 10 August 2026 (AEST)

The 10 August 2026 deadline has passed. Loans already in place continue under the old rules, and super funds can still buy property without borrowing. Register below and we'll explain what's still possible.

Want to know what this means for you?

Just your name and number — our team calls you back within one business day. Free, no obligation.

Something went wrong. Please try again, or email support@vantaragroup.com.au.

You're registered.

Our team will call you back within one business day.

What changed

The new SMSF property rules, in plain English.

No jargon. Here's exactly what the Australian Government changed, and the dates that matter.

01

A new law passed in June 2026

On 26 June 2026, the Australian Parliament passed a law that changes how self-managed super funds (SMSFs) can buy property. It was part of a wider package of tax changes.

02

New SMSF loans end 10 August 2026

From 10 August 2026, an SMSF can no longer take out a new loan to buy a residential property — a house, townhouse or unit. The formal name for this kind of loan is a "limited recourse borrowing arrangement" (LRBA).

03

Signed contracts are protected

If contracts are exchanged before 10 August 2026, the purchase can still go ahead under today's rules — even if settlement and the loan happen later. Loans already in place also continue as normal.

Who is affected

Does the change apply to you?

You are not affected if…

  • Your SMSF already has a property loan in place — it continues under the old rules
  • Your SMSF buys property outright, without a loan
  • You're borrowing for commercial property — that's untouched
  • Your super is invested in shares, ETFs or managed funds

The change does affect you if…

  • ! You were planning to use a new SMSF loan to buy a house, townhouse or unit
  • ! You were "thinking about it for later" — after 10 August 2026 this option is no longer available
  • ! You're mid-purchase but contracts won't be exchanged before the deadline
Before the deadline

Three sensible steps before 10 August.

Whatever you decide, deciding with good information beats missing the date and wondering.

01

Get the facts

Register your name and number and our team will call you back with a plain-English rundown of the change and how the timeline works — free and without obligation.

02

Talk to a licensed adviser

Whether buying property inside super is right for you is a personal financial decision. That call belongs with a licensed financial adviser who knows your circumstances.

03

Mind the date

If, with advice, you decide to go ahead, contracts must be exchanged before 10 August 2026. Property purchases take time — the earlier you start the conversation, the more options you have.

Common questions

SMSF property questions, answered simply.

What is an SMSF?

An SMSF (self-managed super fund) is a private superannuation fund that you manage yourself, rather than leaving your super with a large fund. SMSFs are regulated by the Australian Taxation Office and can invest in assets including shares and property.

What exactly changes on 10 August 2026?

From that date, self-managed super funds can no longer take out a new loan (formally called a limited recourse borrowing arrangement, or LRBA) to buy residential property. The law passed the Australian Parliament in June 2026.

I already have a property loan in my SMSF — am I affected?

No. Loans that are already in place continue under the existing rules. The change only stops new borrowing arrangements for residential property from 10 August 2026.

What if contracts are signed before 10 August 2026?

Purchases where contracts are exchanged before the rules commence are protected under the legislation, even if settlement and the loan happen after that date.

Can my SMSF still buy property without a loan?

Yes. The change only ends new borrowing for residential property. An SMSF with enough money in the fund can still purchase property outright, and commercial property borrowing is not affected.

Is this page financial advice?

No. This page is general information only and does not consider your personal circumstances. Decisions about superannuation and SMSFs should be made with advice from a licensed financial adviser.

Start the conversation

The deadline won't move. The conversation is free.

Leave your name and number and our team will call you back — a plain-English rundown of the 10 August change, and a look at current off-market opportunities across Melbourne and Regional Victoria. No call centre, no pressure.

Get a call back

We typically respond within one business day.

Something went wrong. Please try again, or email support@vantaragroup.com.au.

You're registered.

Our team will call you back within one business day.