Self Managed Super Fund-What is it?
A self managed super fund ( SMSF ) or do it yourself super fund ( DIY ) as they are sometimes known is simply a superannuation fund that is controlled and operated by members of the fund who are also required to be trustees.
A SMSF has less than five members and where each member is also a trustee. This means that the members are not only responsible for making all the investment and operational decisions for the fund but they are also ultimately responsible for ensuring the fund is run and maintained in accordance with a range of strict legal and regulatory requirements.
Self managed super fund (SMSF)-Why set one up?
Most investors set up self managed super funds because they want to have a greater say and control on how their hard earned savings are invested and in what it is invested in order to feel more confidence that they are headed towards achieving their retirement goals. Other reasons include saving fees/cost savings, greater tax effectiveness, greater choice of underlying assets/investments, greater control of estate assets and pooling of family super monies to purchase larger assets (like direct property).
Self managed super funds SMSF-What can it invest in?
The main types of assets held by a self managed super funds ( SMSF ) or DIY super funds are;
- Listed Shares - 31%
- Cash (including term deposits) - 24%
- Public Trusts - 11%
- Direct residential, commercial, industrial property - 10%
- Other Trusts - 10%
- Other managed Investments - 7%
- Loans, unlisted shares, art works & other - 4%
How can Navigate Wealth financial advisers & planners help me?
Peter Alvarez is a Self Managed Super Fund Specialist AdvisorTM
We are financial advisors and financial planners with expert knowledge on self managed super funds and DIY funds. The founder of the practice, Peter Alvarez is a SMSF Specialist AdvisorTM accredited by the SMSF Association of Australia (the peak industry body representing Auditors, Accountants and Financial Advisors). Our services and advice includes
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advising on the appropriateness of setting up a self managed super fund
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how to properly establish a self managed super fund (different structures for different purposes)
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the implementation and ongoing review and management of industry best investment self managed super fund strategies
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investment of the funds assets in accordance with the self managed super fund Superannuation investment Supervision rules
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advising self managed superannuation trustees of their duties and responsibilities and assisting trustees to administer their fund in accordance with the prescribed superannuation operation standards
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assisting trustees to commence and pay income streams to fund members during both the pre-retirement and retirement phases of their life
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assisting trustees to pay death benefits following the death of a member (family wealth estate management & control)
Navigate Financial advisors and planners can advise you how to purchase a direct property in a self managed superannuation fund to take advantage of capital gains tax free capital growth and income tax free rent in retirement. This includes advice on the many pitfalls to avoid when buying a property via your self managed superannuation fund as well as more common answers to questions including;
- How to purchase a property through super - self managed super fund property purchase
- how much will the property cost me to purchase and on an ongoing basis?
- will I have enough rent to fund my desired lifestyle in retirement, if not how can I supplement the investment property rental income to make up the shortfall?
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how to use a self managed super fund property loan to help purchase the property?
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how long will it take me to repay the self managed superannaution property loan ?
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What are expected future benefits based on different types of properties (houses, units, townhouses, commercial, industrial, medical & dental practices) compared to buying the property in my name outside of my self managed super fund or via my family trust?
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what makes a good self managed super fund property investment?
Buying a New investment property v's buying an old investment property
Our clients often ask us about the differences between purchasing an older investment property and purchasing a brand new investment property. Being licenced property buyers agents ( via our sister company Navigate Property ) and financial advisers, we are well positioned to guide and advise our clients on the practical and financial pros and cons of purchasing new v’s old property and which one is most appropriate to help them reach their financial and lifetsyle goals. Below are some of the advantages and disadvantages, for a comprehensive and personalised discussion, please contact our office on 1300 505 565 to arrange a complimentary consultation to determine which type is more appropriate to help you achieve your goals.
New Investment properties
One of the biggest advanatages of purchasing a new or newer property is the tax benefits known as “depreciation”. Depreciation effectively allows you to claim an additional expense without it costing you money out of your pocket for the wear and tear of the asset when you complete your tax return. The result is that you effectively get a bigger tax refund than you would otherwise be entitled to claim. Owners of new investment properties are eligible to claim depreciation on the building structure and the fixtures and fittings in their investment property. The effective life of a new building for Australian Taxation Office (ATO) purposes is 40 years (some exceptions) for residential property. This means a brand new property is able to claim the entire construction cost over the life of the property. Properties that are not brand new can claim the residual of the 40 years. For example, if an investment property is 10 years old and its owner wants to claim depreciation on the structure, they have another 30 years left of deductions to claim.
The depreciation of fixtures and fittings (such as lights, blinds, carpets, kitchens etc) on the other hand are afforded a much shorter timeframe since they often need to be replaced more often than what the ATO has estimated is the effective life of the building (40 years).
Other advantages of purchasing a new investment property is that certain parts of the property would be covered by a builders warranty therefore some of the risk of purchasing a poorly constructed property is reduced. On the other hand, those parts of the construction that are not covered by a builders warranty do pose a potentially higher risk of malfunction since they have not been tried and tested over many years by one or more previous owners.
Old Investment properties
Depreciation on the structure of a building is governed by the date that construction began. This may mean that a property might not be eligible to claim depreciation on the original structure. However, investors will still be able to make a claim on the fixtures and fittings within the building. All eligible assets are valued at the time of settlement regardless of their age. Older properties that have had a renovation are also eligible to claim depreciation on the work completed, even if this work was carried out by a previous owner.
Other advantages of purchasing an old investment property could be the potential to renovate and add capital value to the property or increase its rental return by doing some small or large renovations, extentions and repairs. As an investor, you may or may not have the time or the expertise to carry out the work yourself. If this is the case, you are more likely to outsource the management of the property to a property manager. A good property manager will be able to project manage repairs and renovations on your behalf by enlisting the assistance of various tradespeople and/or a handyman to carry out the works required. Contact our office should you require the contact details of good property manager that can maximise your rental returns.
Self managed Super fund Property Loan
Many investors have sufficient money in their super to make purchasing an investment property via a self managed super fund a smart investment. However not all have sufficient monies in their super to purchase their preferred investment property. At Navigate Wealth, we advise clients on how to best structure their super fund property finance in order to save interest, pay off their smsf property loan and ensure that the loan is compliant with the various super laws and regulations. Most importantly, our advice ensures that investors are not caught in the many traps that surround borrowing money to invest in a property via your self managed super fund.
We work closely with your existing private banker or mortgage broker or can recommend an independent mortgage broker Sydney to help implement the recommended advice and strategy to ensure that the process is as smooth as purchasing a property outside of super.
SMSF property loans...
Using your super to purchase foriegn property...
Are you too time poor to find your own self managed super fund investment property? We can help via our sister company, Navigate Property Buyer's agents. Where we represent purchasers to help them search, locate, negotiate and complete an investment property purchase via super or outside of super.
For further information on the advantages and disadvantages of having a self managed super fund or DIY fund contact our office for a complimentary no obligation consultation to determine how a self managed super fund may benefit you for your current and future generations.
Ph 1300 505 565
Suite 602, Level 6, 10 Spring Street Sydney 2000
410 Church Street North Parramatta NSW 2151