Masterclass Bundle: SMSF Property Strategies and Family Home Advice Essentials

Property continues to be one of the most attractive investment choices for SMSFs. However, for many trustees, buying a property outright simply isn’t feasible which is where smart structuring becomes essential.

As a tax, superannuation or financial advice professional, it’s important to understand the full spectrum of structuring options available. These include unit trusts, companies, limited recourse borrowing arrangements (LRBAs), tenants in common (TIC) arrangements, and direct ownership by the fund. Each approach comes with its own advantages, drawbacks, and compliance challenges, all of which can significantly influence client outcomes.

This two-hour online masterclass will include a recap of the core investment rules for SMSFs, which assets can and cannot be acquired from related parties, what qualifies as business real property, and the critical factors to weigh when deciding whether property should sit inside or outside super.

We will also explore the main structuring strategies for SMSF property investment, illustrated with practical examples that show how each works in practice. Throughout the masterclass we’ll step through the complex tax and superannuation rules that apply across the life of the investment, helping you guide clients with confidence and avoid costly compliance pitfalls.

Learning objectives

By the end of this masterclass, you will be able to:

• Understand the investment rules within super, including acquisitions from related parties and the definition of business real property.
• Assess when business real property may be better held inside or outside super.
• Identify and compare the key structures available for SMSF property investment.
• Explain the advantages and limitations of each option, including ownership, control, and tax considerations.
• Recognise the compliance obligations and risks associated with different property structures.
• Evaluate which structures may be most appropriate for different client circumstances.
• Provide proactive, compliant guidance to SMSF trustees considering property investment.

For many clients, the family home is their most valuable asset. When it comes time to sell, the financial advice they receive can make a significant difference. As a professional adviser, you can add real value by helping clients understand the complex web of tax, super and social security issues that arise from selling their main residence.

This two-hour online masterclass will equip you with the knowledge and practical insights to guide clients with confidence. We’ll revisit the capital gains tax (CGT) rules and exemptions that apply to a main residence, including what qualifies as a main residence, how to treat a dwelling during periods of absence, and how to calculate any tax consequences where only a partial exemption applies.

We’ll then explore opportunities for clients to boost their retirement savings using downsizer contributions, covering the eligibility criteria, practical application, and common mistakes to avoid.

Finally, we’ll examine the impact of the family home (and the sale proceeds) on Centrelink entitlements such as the Age Pension, as well as its assessment for aged care fees when clients move into residential care.

By attending, you’ll strengthen your ability to identify key planning opportunities, avoid compliance pitfalls, and deepen client relationships during one of life’s most important financial transitions.

Learning objectives

By the end of this masterclass, you will be able to:

• Explain the CGT rules and exemptions that apply to the main residence, including absence provisions and partial exemptions.
• Calculate potential CGT liabilities where a full exemption does not apply.
• Assess how downsizer contributions can be used to enhance retirement savings and apply the eligibility rules correctly.
• Identify common downsizer mistakes and how to avoid them in practice.
• Evaluate how the family home and sale proceeds are treated for Centrelink Age Pension purposes.
• Understand how the home is assessed under assets and income tests, and its implications for aged care means testing.
• Provide clear, client-focused advice that integrates tax, superannuation and social security considerations when dealing with the sale of a main residence.

Register now to secure your place!