The Finance Algorithm
§ Tool · tier 2 · independent

SMSF Property Investment Calculator.

Calculate whether buying property through your self-managed super fund (SMSF) makes financial sense. Covers LRBA, contributions, and compliance costs.

Live dataFree, no signupOn-deviceupd February 2026
Inputs
Your numbers
$
$400k

Combined super balance of all SMSF members

$
$500k

Purchase price of the property you're considering

$
$450

Expected weekly rental income

LRBA loans are special SMSF loans with higher rates and strict rules

Number of members contributing to the fund

15y

Years until the youngest member reaches preservation age

$
$50k

Combined annual contributions from all members (concessional + non-concessional)

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Move the sliders or type in the form on the left — the math updates live as you go. Click Get AI verdict when you want a written analysis.

Buying property through an SMSF can be tax-effective — rental income is taxed at just 15% (0% in pension phase) and capital gains get a 33% discount. But it comes with complexity: LRBA loans charge 1-2% above standard rates, annual compliance costs are $3,000-$6,000, and there are strict rules about who can use the property. You need a minimum $200K in super (ideally $300K+) just to make SMSF property viable. This calculator helps you run the numbers to see if the tax benefits outweigh the extra costs and restrictions.

§ Worked examples

Real-world scenarios

Couple with $400K SMSF

2 members, $400K super balance, buying $500K property with LRBA, $50K/year contributions, 15 years to retirement.

LRBA loan: ~$200K at 8%. Annual rent: $23,400 (taxed at 15% = $3,510 tax). Compliance costs: ~$5,000/year. Net annual cash flow: ~$8,000-$12,000 positive (after loan + costs). At retirement in 15 years: property worth ~$900K (4% growth), zero tax in pension phase. But consider: $400K in diversified ETFs might grow to $1.1M with less risk.

§ FAQ

Questions Australians ask

§ Glossary

Plain-English definitions

LRBA (Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangement)
A special loan structure allowing SMSFs to borrow to purchase a single asset, with the lender's recourse limited to only that asset.
Bare Trust
A trust that holds the SMSF property title during the LRBA loan period. Once the loan is repaid, the property transfers to the SMSF.