SMSF Property Loans › Do I need a corporate trustee for an SMSF loan?

Do I need a corporate trustee for an SMSF loan?

Most lenders strongly prefer, or require, a corporate trustee for an SMSF that is borrowing. A corporate trustee is a company set up to act as trustee of the fund, which lenders see as cleaner for borrowing.

Written by Ross McFarlane, Licensed Mortgage Broker (Credit Representative 526725). About the author

Why this matters

While an SMSF can have individual trustees, lenders generally want a corporate trustee when there is a loan, because it simplifies the structure and succession. Setting this up has a cost and is part of the groundwork before borrowing. Your SMSF adviser and accountant will guide whether and how to put it in place.

The key points

Lenders generally prefer or require a corporate trustee.
It is a company acting as trustee of the fund.
It makes the borrowing structure cleaner.
Set it up with your adviser before borrowing.

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Last reviewed: June 2026

General information only. This page provides general information about home loans and is not financial or credit advice, a quote, or a guarantee, and your personal circumstances have not been considered. Lending policies, interest rates, fees and eligibility vary by lender and change over time. Always confirm your own situation with a licensed mortgage broker or lender before acting. Ross McFarlane (Credit Representative 526725) is an authorised Credit Representative of Australian Associated Advisers Pty Ltd t/a Keylend, Australian Credit Licence 392169.