Commercial and SMSF Loans


Commercial and SMSF loans finance business premises, commercial property, equipment, self-managed super fund (SMSF) property purchases, and ATO tax debts — and they work very differently to standard residential finance. Limitless Finance works with specialist lenders to structure commercial and SMSF loans that suit your goals, across NSW and Australia-wide, and makes sure the complexity does not land on you.

Commercial loans

Commercial loans Commercial lending covers a broad range of needs — from purchasing offices, warehouses, retail premises, industrial sites and mixed-use developments, to financing business equipment and machinery. Lenders assess these applications with a stronger focus on the income-producing capacity of the asset, the strength of your business, and the loan-to-value ratio (LVR) on offer.

Higher deposit requirements

Most commercial lenders require a minimum 30–35% deposit (or equivalent equity), compared with 10–20% for residential.

Shorter loan terms

Shorter loan terms Commercial loans typically run 15–25 years, often with interest-only periods available.

Variable assessment criteria

Lenders look closely at business financials, lease terms and tenancy. For equipment finance, they focus on the asset’s useful life and your ability to service the debt.

Business and personal security

Business and personal security Depending on how the loan is structured, lenders may require the commercial asset plus additional security, which can include a personal guarantee from the business owners.

SMSF loans


SMSF loans Buying property inside a self-managed super fund (SMSF) is a legitimate, popular wealth strategy, but it carries strict regulatory requirements and a much narrower pool of lenders. An SMSF loan — known as a Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangement (LRBA) — lets the fund borrow to purchase a single asset, typically residential or commercial property, while protecting the rest of the fund’s assets from recourse if the loan defaults. What you need to know:
The property must meet strict criteria
It must be an asset the fund is permitted to hold, cannot be bought from a related party (with limited commercial exceptions), and must be used solely to provide retirement benefits.
The SMSF must be correctly structured
The SMSF must be correctly structured You will need a compliant trust deed, a bare trust (holding trust) arrangement, and adequate fund liquidity. We strongly recommend working with an SMSF-specialist accountant or adviser first.
Lender appetite is limited
Lender appetite is limited Not all lenders offer SMSF loans, and those that do apply conservative LVRs (typically 70–80% for residential, lower for commercial). We know which lenders are active and what they look for.
Rates and fees differ
SMSF loans generally carry higher interest rates than standard investment loans, reflecting the added complexity and risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have Questions About Finance Or Lending?
Whether you are buying, refinancing, investing, or exploring loan options for the first time, we are here to help you understand the process and make your next step clearer.
How much deposit do I need for a commercial property loan?
Most commercial lenders require a minimum deposit or equity of around 30–35%, compared with 10–20% for residential property. The exact figure depends on the asset, the tenancy, and the strength of your business.
Yes — through a Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangement (LRBA), an SMSF can borrow to purchase a single permitted asset, typically residential or commercial property. The fund needs a compliant structure, a bare trust, and adequate liquidity, and we recommend involving an SMSF-specialist accountant or adviser before proceeding.
Often yes. Specialist lenders can consolidate an ATO tax debt into a single manageable loan, usually secured against property, to ease cash-flow pressure. Lender appetite varies, so we assess your situation carefully before recommending it.

Most people think their options are limited. Most people are wrong.
Book a consultation with us, to see how we can stretch the limits to suit your financial needs.