Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangements

Did you know your self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF) can borrow money to invest in commercial or residential property? This is a great way to grow your assets and plan for your future financial security. How is this done? By using a Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangement (LRBA).

What Is A LRBA & How Does It Apply to SMSFs

Australian legislation was introduced in 2007 and amended in 2010, enabling SMSF members to use a loan within the appropriate structure (LRBA) to purchase assets. SMSFs can use borrowed monies with their own accumulated funds to purchase a single asset, or collection of identical assets with the same market value eg a parcel of shares.

What assets can you purchase? There are a few options, including commercial or residential property and parcel of shares in one company. When considering this path, there are a few factors you must take into consideration, as when using a LRBA the arrangement must satisfy quite a few conditions, including but not limited to:

  • The SMSF cannot use LRBA money to ‘improve’ purchased asset/s;
  • SMSF trustees receive beneficial interest in the asset but legal ownership as it is held on trust;
  • SMSF trustees have the right to acquire legal ownership of the asset by making one or more payments;
  • Lenders can demand member/s of the SMSF provide personal guarantee against personal assets.

Two Common Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangement Mistakes

  • LRBA funds cannot be used to refinance an existing super fund property or asset;
  • Signing a contract to purchase an asset using a LRBA without seeking appropriate legal and professional advice and approvals beforehand.

The Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangement is a great way for SMSF trustees to gear their investment portfolio for future growth, but it’s important to get the right advice for your needs and circumstances. For more information contact SMSF Strategic Advisors on (07) 4225 5428 or email info@smsfsa.com.au

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Our accounting practice communicates with clients regarding their superannuation and retirement goals. We are also often asked about borrowing through self-managed super funds, or we may identify planning opportunities for clients using their super. Whilst we can identify these issues or opportunities exist, we do not have the expertise to advise or deliver outcomes. That’s where Rita comes in. Having worked with Rita for many years, we are always confident to recommend her services. She works closely with us and provides thorough and practical advice to our clients. This strengthens our client relationships because they are getting results.

Miriam Eagle FCPA - Partner – Eagle Accounting, Cairns

Our firm was one of the lucky recipients of a signed copy of your book as a kind Christmas gift from Rod Harris at TeleBiz in Cairns. As the title and back cover grabbed my interest, I made a point of starting to read it after returning to work yesterday. Having now finished it, I just thought I should let you know how much I enjoyed reading it. Not only was it very relevant to the current circumstances of myself and Jodi, but it was clearly and succinctly written and easily understandable. It was very reassuring to understand, much more clearly than I previously have, the benefits of having in place our SMSF and how we can make this work for us much more effectively moving forward. As we have all the right tools in place, and now having a much better understanding of many of the options open to us in utilising the fund, and our investments, I’m inspired to take a much greater interest in this side of our affairs. I’m looking forward to focusing more on this during the coming months than I have previously done, and also to improving our investment strategies. Thanks so much for the great information and the inspiration.

Mark Peters - Peters Bosel Lawyers Cairns

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Greg Stanton - Principal Barrier Reef Accounting

Having been self-employed for the majority of my working life I have always been very focused on my business, but never seemed to find the time to plan for retirement. An opportunity came up to purchase the office I was renting, and I looked into buying it through a SMSF. After some research it seemed far too complicated and I had almost given up when I found Rita. From the first meeting it was very evident Rita had all the answers. I needed to set up a SMSF and borrow to purchase the office, and with a positive and proactive approach Rita made the whole process easy. Thank you Rita – rather than paying rent each month I am now getting one step closer to retirement.

David Jaunzems - Cairns Beaches Realty

I have worked with Kerry for eleven years now and appreciate that she always hears my concerns with respect to financial security. Kerry genuinely cares about my financial plan and making sure that I am adequately covered and protected. It’s nice to speak with someone directly who is always on top of the current issues and removes the stress and complexity from financial planning and insurance.

Samantha Singh

Rita, the “nine year” plan we undertook when you first set up our SMSF is now completed. As of October 2018, our pension/SMSF is totally tax free to the kids. Thanks!

Patsy Bilic - Silkwood

Our first meeting with Rita was held a few days before Christmas. We were meeting with our bank manager to discuss some business restructuring options prior to my father-in-law leaving for overseas in the next few days. As our bank manager recommended Rita, we phoned her during the meeting to see if we could arrange an appointment. As I explained that we were trying to make some major decisions about our business and our self-managed super fund, Rita dropped what she was doing and came around to our home immediately to join our meeting. She asked very intuitive questions and listened intently before she gave some sound, direct advice that has helped our family know we could move forward financially and restructure the business to provide peace of mind to both sides of the family. From day one Rita’s enthusiasm, thoroughness, sound advice and absolute dedication to do her best for us has been undoubtably evident. We are very fortunate to have her as our financial planner and now our friend.

Jane Mitchell - Nordig NQ Pty Ltd

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