If you’re self-employed, run a business, or invest through a self-managed super fund (SMSF), navigating the property market in 2025 might feel like decoding a tax manual blindfolded. But with the right strategy and structure, you can unlock serious benefits—both financially and legally.
At Christie & Co., we work with self-employed Australians, SMSF trustees, and business owners daily, helping them build wealth through new homes, apartments, and land developments in Melbourne, Gold Coast, and Brisbane.
🔑 1. For the Self-Employed: It’s All About Proof & Structure
Banks love stability—and being your own boss can make you look “risky” on paper. But there are ways around that:
✅ Tips for Self-Employed Buyers:
- Lodge timely, clean tax returns: Lenders usually want the last 1–2 years.
- Structure your income: Avoid large expense write-offs that drastically reduce your taxable income if you’re planning to borrow soon.
- Work with a broker who gets it: Some lenders now assess business cash flow, not just net profit.
- Use offset accounts & redraw: These offer tax flexibility if you’re balancing personal and business funds.
🧠 Pro Tip: We often recommend new house & land packages for self-employed buyers due to their tax depreciation benefits and staged payments, which help with cash flow.
🏛️ 2. SMSF Buyers: How to Use Super to Buy Property
Investing through a self-managed super fund lets you use your retirement savings to purchase brand-new residential properties (not your family home). This strategy can supercharge long-term gains—but the setup must be airtight.
✅ Tips for SMSF Property Buyers:
- The property must be for investment only – no personal use allowed.
- You must buy via a limited recourse borrowing arrangement (LRBA) if you’re using finance.
- Brand-new dwellings are ideal due to clearer compliance and better tax outcomes.
- All expenses and income must go through the fund.
💼 We work closely with financial planners, accountants, and SMSF loan specialists to structure deals correctly and compliantly from day one.
📈 Why New Builds Are Ideal for Both Groups
Whether you’re self-employed or buying through SMSF, new homes and apartments offer several key advantages:
| Benefit | Self-Employed Buyer | SMSF Investor |
|---|---|---|
| High depreciation allowances | ✅ | ✅ |
| Lower maintenance costs | ✅ | ✅ |
| Strong rental demand zones | ✅ | ✅ |
| Tax-effective structuring | ✅ | ✅ |
| Staged construction payments | ✅ | ❌ |
| Easier compliance (brand new) | ✅ | ✅ |
🔐 Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Using the wrong loan type (especially in SMSFs)
- ❌ Underestimating tax obligations or lender requirements
- ❌ Buying in poor-growth areas due to low price tags
- ❌ Forgetting to check zoning, title restrictions, or rental demand
✨ Tailored Support for Business Owners, SMSF Trustees & High-Income Earners
At Christie & Co., we specialise in matching buyers with the right structure, finance partner, and property—from $650K townhomes to $25M trophy assets. Whether you’re building your first investment through your company or buying your fifth SMSF property, we’ll guide you from planning to purchase.
Thinking of buying through your ABN or SMSF? Let’s structure it right from the start.
Book a free consultation with our property finance and strategy team today.
