From mid-August 2026, SMSFs can no longer take out new LRBAs to buy residential property. Our Unit Trust pathway is a separate, non-LRBA structure designed to keep your SMSF's tax and asset-protection advantages in place. It is supported by a written opinion from senior counsel, and your own licensed advisers confirm it for your fund before anything proceeds.
The new law targets the Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangement (LRBA) route for residential property. The Unit Trust pathway is a separate, non-LRBA structure that sits outside the rule that changed, so eligible trustees can keep building.
The pathway directly affected by the new law.
A separate, non-LRBA structure that keeps your build moving.
In most cases you can use your existing SMSF. We'll check fit on the first call.
We'll look at whether the Unit Trust pathway can take your plan forward, and what timing applies to anything already in progress.
Accountants, financial planners and buyers agents can refer clients and stay involved. Partner with us
Your SMSF stays the beneficial owner throughout. The Unit Trust holds the investment and returns entitlements to your fund. A Bare Trust holds legal title so a construction lender can take security in the ordinary way.
Remains the beneficial owner. Same trustees, same deed.
Holds the investment. Entitlements flow back to your fund.
Holds legal title so the lender can take security.
Progressive draw-downs at each build milestone.
Built and held inside your super for the long term.
Because your SMSF stays the beneficial owner, the standard super rules continue to apply.
Income returned to your fund is taxed at the SMSF concessional rate, in line with standard fund operations.
Assets held beyond 12 months attract the one-third CGT discount, an effective rate of around 10% on eligible gains.
In pension phase, earnings and capital gains may be fully tax-exempt under standard superannuation law.
Property held in the structure carries the protection from personal creditor claims that applies to other super assets.
Works with your existing trust deed. Binding death-benefit nominations and beneficiary planning stay in place.
Trustees keep full discretion over investment decisions, consistent with the fund's investment strategy.
The right answer depends on your fund's circumstances, so your own licensed advisers confirm it for you, in writing, before anything proceeds.
The structure is supported by a written opinion from senior counsel and built around a trust deed drafted for these requirements.
Your own SMSF lawyer and auditor confirm compliance before anything proceeds. We don't determine that ourselves.
The pathway doesn't rely on a new SMSF LRBA, so the residential-borrowing ban doesn't reach it in the same way.
We bring licensed brokers, SMSF lawyers and accountants together and manage the timeline. Every regulated recommendation comes from a licensed professional engaged by you.
Each step is handled by the right specialist. Tap a step, drag the timeline or press play to see who's involved and what you'll be asked to do.
NDA signed, lawyer and accountant intake forms completed, broker engaged.
Your part: Sign the NDA and complete the intake forms.
Professional Property Investors is based in Bella Vista, NSW, and works with SMSF trustees Australia-wide. We don't sell advice. We bring the right licensed professionals together, project-manage the timeline, and keep you informed at every stage.
Accountants, financial planners and buyers agents can refer SMSF clients to the Unit Trust pathway and stay involved in their client's journey.
Become a referral partner →The change applies to borrowing. It bans new limited recourse borrowing arrangements (LRBAs) for residential property held inside an SMSF.
The Unit Trust pathway is a separate structure that does not rely on an LRBA, so the change does not reach it in the same way. Every fund is different, so your own licensed SMSF adviser, lawyer and accountant confirm suitability and compliance for you, in writing.
In most cases, yes. We'll walk through your situation on the call and confirm whether any adjustments are needed.
There are establishment, broker and legal fees at the relevant stages. Because every situation is different, we share specific numbers on the discovery call and explain what you get at each step.
No. PPI coordinates the process. Legal, tax, credit and financial advice comes from separate licensed professionals engaged by you.
A short discovery call, with no pressure and no obligation. We'll cover whether this pathway fits your SMSF and timeline, and what the next step looks like.
Or call 0430 099 325 · Mon–Fri, 9am–6pm AEST