Why should I purchase a commercial property with my SMSF?

One question to ask yourself early on in the process is whether you’d like to invest in a commercial or residential property. Using your SMSF to purchase a commercial property has some benefits over residential property. However, this increasingly-popular method of maximising wealth carries risk and needs careful consideration.

We’ve uncovered some of the pros and cons around buying a commercial property or a residential property to help you understand which investment option is right for you.

Rent the commercial property you invest in

The majority of commercial properties purchased through an SMSF are then leased back to a business operated by an SMSF member. SMSF funds can invest 100% of its money in commercial real estate if a member of the fund runs a business.

An SMSF can also borrow to purchase a commercial property. This is only available to SMSF funds – you can’t buy a residential property and occupy it or rent it out to a relative, so this option is great if you are looking to run a business.

Pay rent to yourself, not a landlord

Many investors prefer paying rent to their superfund, rather than someone else. This is especially true with commercial properties, as rental yields are generally larger than residential yields, so your investment grows quicker. However, capital gains on commercial property tend not to be as large as a smart residential investment.

Tax on rental income is only 15% and capital gains at 10% if the property is kept for more than a year.

Remember, there are always risks involved

Despite all the positives involved in investing in commercial properties through your SMSF, there are still some drawbacks. For starters, tax losses from the property cannot be offset against your personal income tax.

There are a few conditions to be aware if you’re considering purchasing a commercial property through your SMSF:

1. If you lease the property to a business you run, the lease must be at the market rate.
2. You can’t skip rental payments – payments must be made on time and in full, as if you were leasing from a stranger.
3. The property must be independently valued regularly.
4. The investment must be for the sole purpose of providing retirement benefit to the SMSF’s members.

Depending on your circumstances, buying a commercial property through your SMSF can be a great way to grow your wealth, especially if you have a business. For more information about SMSFs, download our free SMSF Guide to investing in Property eBook or Information Package today. If you're interested in investing in property through an SMSF, ESUPERFUND helps make it easy, with a fast, streamlined process. And if you act now, ESUPERFUND is offering a Special Free Offer! Click here for details.

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