SMSFs urged to have exit strategy for unlisted property
SMSF practitioners need to ensure their SMSF clients have an appropriate exit strategy working in their favour before undertaking an investment in unlisted property, according to Charter Hall.
Speaking to SMSF Adviser, Charter Hall head of direct property Richard Stacker said while having a 10 to 20 per cent allocation towards illiquid property is unlikely to be an issue for an SMSF in the accumulation phase, it is important the SMSF trustee is clear on what is involved in exiting an unlisted trust or fund.
“If [investment] doesn’t have that daily liquid element, SMSF practitioners need to ensure their client is very clear on what the exit is and it needs to be written in favour of investors,” said Mr Stacker.
The SMSF trustee should be in control of the decision making, he said.
“It shouldn’t come down to a vote where the majority wins,” Mr Stacker said.
There are, however, some advantages to illiquidity since investors will not “rush to the door if times get tough”.
“They realise they’re still invested in a good quality property and that the main objective [of the investment] is to provide a steady income to them,” he said.
“Over a period of time that income accumulates quite significantly and they can still have a small amount of total return coming from capital growth.”
Miranda Brownlee
Miranda Brownlee is the deputy editor of SMSF Adviser, which is the leading source of news, strategy and educational content for professionals working in the SMSF sector.
Since joining the team in 2014, Miranda has been responsible for breaking some of the biggest superannuation stories in Australia, and has reported extensively on technical strategy and legislative updates.
Miranda also has broad business and financial services reporting experience, having written for titles including Investor Daily, ifa and Accountants Daily.
