The Short Answer
Most SMSF lenders will lend between 70-80% of a property's value. So if your SMSF has $200,000 in cash, you could potentially purchase a property worth $500,000-$650,000, depending on the lender and your fund's income. SMSF loans use a Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangement (LRBA), which means if something goes wrong, the lender can only claim the property - not your other super assets (Source: ATO - "Borrowing to buy property through your SMSF", 2025).
Not a one-size-fits-all number. But a real starting range.
What Lenders Actually Look At
SMSF lending is different from a regular home loan. Here's what matters:
Fund balance - the cash available for deposit plus purchase costs. This is the biggest factor.
Fund income - ongoing super contributions plus projected rental income from the property.
Personal income - some lenders assess this, some don't. It varies by lender.
Property type and location - lenders prefer established properties in metropolitan or strong regional areas.
According to Adel Pearce: "People are often surprised - they can usually borrow more than they expected, or less than they hoped. The Scorecard gives you a realistic number before you start dreaming about properties."
SMSF Loans vs Normal Home Loans
Think of it like this. If you borrow money in your name and can't pay it back, the bank can come after your house, your car, everything. With an SMSF loan (LRBA), the bank can only take the property. Your other super assets are protected. That's the "limited recourse" part (Source: SIS Act 1993, Section 67A).
The trade-off: SMSF loan interest rates are typically 1-2% higher than standard home loans, and fewer lenders offer them. As of early 2026, SMSF variable rates sit around 7.5-8.5% depending on the lender (Source: SMSF Loan Experts rate comparison, March 2026).
Real Examples
| Fund Balance | Estimated Property Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| $150,000 | $350,000 - $450,000 | Tight - may need strong fund income |
| $200,000 | $450,000 - $600,000 | Comfortable range for most lenders |
| $300,000 | $600,000 - $800,000 | Strong position with multiple options |
| $400,000+ | $800,000+ | Premium properties or multiple investments |
These are estimates only. Actual borrowing capacity depends on your specific circumstances, fund income, and lender requirements.
The Costs Nobody Mentions
Your fund doesn't just need enough for the deposit. It also needs to cover stamp duty ($10,000-$25,000 depending on state and property price), conveyancing ($1,500-$3,000), building inspection ($300-$600), loan establishment ($500-$1,500), and a cash buffer for the first few months of ownership.
Not just the deposit. The full picture. For a complete cost breakdown, see our SMSF Property Costs page.
Find Out Your Actual Borrowing Power
The Delphi Scorecard estimates your borrowing capacity in under 5 minutes. No paperwork. No commitment. Just clarity on your numbers.
According to Adel Pearce, the "M" in S.I.M.P.L.E. stands for "Map Your Finance" - because you need to know your numbers before you look at a single property. For the full guide, read Buy Property With Super.
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General information only. Not personal financial advice.