Q1: For those using SMSFs, how is shared property ownership becoming relevant?
Rob: Many SMSF trustees want exposure to property but face challenges with high costs and limited borrowing capacity. Co-investing allows funds to share the cost of ownership, meaning trustees can buy into higher-value assets while still managing compliance and diversification.
Q2: What advantages do SMSF trustees get from using co-investment?
Rob: Benefits include lower upfront capital outlay, access to premium commercial or residential properties, risk diversification across asset classes and locations, shared rental income, and proportional capital growth.
Q3: Are there special legal, tax, or regulatory issues SMSF trustees must consider?
Rob: Yes, but they can be managed with strong agreements. Trustees must ensure co-ownership meets SMSF compliance rules, and legal documents should clearly outline what happens if one party defaults or wants to exit early. Preparing these provisions up front ensures stability, compliance, and peace of mind.
Q4: How can propple support SMSF trustees?
Rob: propple supports trustees with legal templates built around SMSF compliance, connections to lenders who understand SMSF co-investment, tools for tracking repayments, rental income, and equity growth, and education around cash flow, yield projections, and diversification strategies.
Q5: Is shared ownership via SMSF likely to increase in 2025 and beyond?
Rob: Definitely. Trustees are searching for diversification and cost-effective ways to grow their funds. With affordability pressures ongoing, SMSF co-investment offers a pathway to premium property exposure. As more trustees adopt this model and platforms like propple streamline the process, SMSF co-ownership will become increasingly common.
For SMSF trustees, co-investing is a powerful strategy to diversify and scale portfolios while reducing barriers to entry. With robust agreements in place, risks are minimised, and long-term growth is enhanced. Solutions like propple are making this strategy more accessible, transparent, and effective for SMSFs across Australia.
