07 May 2026

Buying Property Through Super: Is an SMSF the Right Strategy for You?

Back

Buying property through a self-managed super fund can be powerful — or disastrous — depending on how (and why) it’s done.

In this episode of Property Investing Roadmap, host Damian Collins unpacks one of the most complex and misunderstood strategies investors consider: holding property inside a self-managed super fund (SMSF).

Guided by a listener question, Damian is joined by Katie Timms, National Director of Superannuation & SMSF Services at RSM Australia, to break down when this strategy works, when it doesn’t, and what investors must understand before taking the plunge.

With decades of experience advising SMSF clients across residential, commercial and fund-based property, Katie explains the rules, risks, structures and compliance obligations that many investors only discover after it’s too late.

This episode cuts through the hype to explain how SMSFs really work, why mistakes are so costly, and how property can (or can’t) fit into a long-term retirement strategy.

What you’ll learn:

  • What a self-managed super fund is — and why control is both a benefit and a burden
  • The key pros and cons of investing through an SMSF
  • Why SMSFs are the most heavily regulated investment structure in Australia
  • Annual compliance, audit and valuation obligations investors must meet
  • The sole purpose test — and why holiday homes and personal use are strictly off?limits
  • Why arm’s?length terms, market rent and formal leases are critical
  • How limited recourse borrowing arrangements (LRBAs) work
  • The role of bare trusts and why structure must be set up before you buy
  • How SMSF rules differ for residential versus commercial property
  • Common (and costly) mistakes investors make with SMSFs

Why SMSFs are not “the next step” for everyone

FREE RESOURCE

Want help building a diversified property portfolio aligned to your goals?
Discover how Momentum Wealth helps investors design, acquire and manage property portfolios with long-term performance in mind.
Investor Pack – Momentum Wealth

FOLLOW US

FOLLOW US

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momentumwealth/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/momentumwealth/ 

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/momentum-wealth

SUPPORT FOR INVESTORS

Looking for professional guidance on diversification, interstate investing or blending residential with commercial property?
Explore the tailored support available through Momentum Wealth and Westbridge Funds Management:

Home

T&Cs

The information shared on Property Investing Roadmap is general in nature and does not take into account your individual circumstances. It is provided for educational purposes only and should not be relied upon for investment or financial decisions. Always seek professional advice before deciding whether to invest.
This episode’s guest is a representative of RSM Australia. References to SMSFs are general in nature and do not constitute personal financial advice.

Presenters

Damian Collins

Host, Property Investing Roadmap
Managing Director, Momentum Wealth
Chairman, Westbridge Funds Management

Damian Collins is the Founder and Managing Director of residential property advisory, Momentum Wealth, and Chairman of Australian property funds management company, Westbridge Funds Management. Damian is the author of the Amazon Best Seller, Property Investing Roadmap: How to build an income from property for life and host of the Property Investing Roadmap podcast. He is a well-known advocate across Australia’s real estate industry, previously serving as President of the Real Estate Institute of WA (REIWA) from 2018 to 2022 and as a Director of the Real Estate Institute of Australia. Having been an active property investor himself for over 30 years, Damian continues to apply his extensive experience to help fellow investors grow wealth through direct and syndicated property investments.