SMSF Refinance Made Simple — and Compliant
Your SMSF Loan Could Be Costing You More Than It Should
What Is SMSF Refinancing?
Refinancing an SMSF loan means replacing your fund's existing property loan with a new one — typically to access a lower interest rate, better loan terms, or a more suitable lender. Because all SMSF property borrowing must be structured as a Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangement (LRBA) under the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993, any refinance must also comply with that same structure.
In plain terms: your SMSF cannot simply switch lenders . The new loan must be used solely to replace the existing arrangement — not to increase the borrowing or draw on equity for other purposes. The asset must remain in the bare trust throughout the transition, and the SMSF trustee must not take legal ownership at any point during the switch.
The good news? Refinancing is absolutely permitted — and when done correctly, it can deliver meaningful savings to your fund over the life of the loan.
✓ You CAN Refinance If
- The new loan replaces — not increases — your existing borrowing
- The asset stays in the same bare trust throughout
- Your SMSF trustee never holds legal title during the switch
- The arrangement continues to meet Section 67A of the SIS Act
✕ You CANNOT
- Borrow more than the current outstanding balance
- Use refinance funds to improve or renovate the property
- Place any additional charge or mortgage over the asset
- Temporarily hold the asset in the SMSF trustee's name
Source: ATO Interpretive Decision (LRBA refinancing) — full guidance available at ato.gov.au. This is general information only. Speak with a qualified SMSF adviser before making any decision.
Who We Are
smsfrefinance.com.au is a specialist service delivered by Tiger Mortgage — a Sydney-based mortgage broking firm founded in 2021 by Raymond Liao, a former banking professional with deep experience in complex lending structures.
Tiger Mortgage holds Australian Credit Licence 389087 (Authorised Credit Representative 532909) and operates across Sydney, the Gold Coast, and nationally for SMSF clients. The firm works with a panel of specialist SMSF lenders and only submits loan applications with a high degree of confidence in approval.
This dedicated site exists to give SMSF trustees a focused, expert resource — separate from the broader mortgage broking conversation — because SMSF refinancing deserves its own specialised attention.
Raymond Liao
Raymond built Tiger Mortgage after seeing how clients were underserved by institutions that prioritised volume over outcomes. His focus: finding the right structure, not just the nearest approval.
Our Credentials
- Australian Credit Licence: 389087
- Authorised Credit Representative: 532909
- ABN: 21 649 980 807
- Office: 403/10 Help St, Chatswood NSW 2067
- Phone: 1800 676 888
How the SMSF Refinance Process Works
With the right broker, the process is systematic and well-managed.
Free Assessment
We review your existing SMSF loan — interest rate, remaining term, LVR, and fund liquidity — and identify whether refinancing is likely to benefit your fund. There is no cost and no obligation at this stage.
Fund & Property Review
We assess your SMSF's financial position, including its liquid assets, the current property valuation, and trustee structure. Lenders require specific documentation, and we prepare this early to avoid delays.
Market Comparison
We compare SMSF-approved lenders across rate, features, LVR limits, and liquidity requirements. Not every lender accepts every SMSF structure — our panel knowledge ensures we only approach the right ones.
Application & Compliance Check
We prepare and lodge your application with the chosen lender. Every document is checked against ATO LRBA requirements before submission.
Settlement
The new lender pays out your existing SMSF loan directly. The asset remains in the bare trust throughout. We confirm that the bare trust deed, title, and new loan documents are correctly aligned before settlement is finalised.
Are You Eligible to Refinance?
Not every SMSF loan can be refinanced — and not every fund will qualify with every lender. Here are the key eligibility benchmarks:
Get a Free Eligibility Check →| Criterion | Typical Benchmark |
|---|---|
| Loan-to-Value Ratio (LVR) | Up to 80% for commercial property |
| Fund Liquidity | Some lenders require approximately 5% of loan amount or total SMSF debts in liquid assets post-settlement; requirements vary by lender |
| Min. SMSF Balance | Generally $200,000+ in total fund assets, though some lenders do not impose a minimum |
| Property Type | Commercial investment; sole purpose test must be met |
| Loan History | Clean repayment record on the existing SMSF loan |
| Bare Trust Structure | Original bare trust must remain intact; asset cannot have changed legal hands |
These benchmarks are indicative only. Each lender applies their own criteria. Speak with our brokers for an assessment specific to your fund.
Frequently Asked Questions
Borrowing within an SMSF sits at the intersection of finance and superannuation law. Here are the most common questions we receive from trustees.
Can I refinance my SMSF loan and borrow more money at the same time?
No. Under ATO rules governing Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangements, a refinance must replace the existing loan — it cannot increase your fund’s borrowing. The new loan amount is capped at the outstanding balance of the original arrangement. If you are seeking to draw on equity for other purposes, that is not permitted within the SMSF structure.
Will refinancing my SMSF loan trigger any tax consequences?
A refinance itself does not constitute a disposal of the asset and generally does not trigger CGT. However, your SMSF’s specific circumstances — including whether the fund is in accumulation or pension phase — can affect tax treatment. We recommend speaking with your SMSF accountant or tax adviser before proceeding.
Which lenders currently offer SMSF refinance loans in Australia?
Following the exit of the major banks from this market, most SMSF refinancing is done through specialist non-bank lenders. Options vary depending on your property type, LVR, and fund structure. Our role is to compare the current market and match your fund with the most suitable lender — we work with a panel of 10+ specialist SMSF lenders.
How long does an SMSF refinance take?
Typically 6–10 weeks from initial assessment to settlement, though this depends on lender processing times, documentation readiness, and whether a new property valuation is required.
Do I need a financial planner as well as a mortgage broker?
A mortgage broker manages the loan structure and lender comparison. If you do not already have an SMSF-licensed financial adviser, we may recommend one — particularly if questions arise about your fund’s investment strategy, trust deed compliance, or trustee obligations.
