Six things you won’t believe you can invest your SMSF in

Many use their SMSF to invest in a share portfolio, a term deposit, or an investment property, but here are a few of the more unusual ways you can diversify your SMSF:

1 - A property for your business

If you have a business, or are looking to start one, you can purchase your commercial property where your business is going to be based, through your SMSF.

This doesn’t mean you don’t have to pay rent! You will still need to pay the market rate for the rent of that property, but when the SMSF owns the building, your business pays the rent into your SMSF and you will effectively get that rent back for yourself in retirement.

2 - Cryptocurrencies

You can use your SMSF to buy cryptocurrencies in Australian dollars. When you are selling, cryptocurrencies can be converted back to Australian dollars. Any proceeds received from cryptocurrency sales purchased through your SMSF can’t be assessed until retirement age.

CoinSpot now offer cryptocurrency SMSF trading accounts.

3 - Whiskey or Wine

Yes, you can invest in Whiskey or cases of collectable wine, but you need to consider if you have the experience to spot a good vintage that will give you a good return.

A few things to consider; you can’t drink it, you can’t store it on your property or a place where you would have access to it, and the investment would have to be valued by an independent third party.

4 - Classic Cars

You cannot use your SMSF to purchase a new car, but you can invest in a classic collectable car. The downside is you or any of your relations, cannot take it out for a drive, have restoration work done, or look at it whilst it was in your own garage, as this could be deemed as benefiting from your investment before retirement.

5 - Corporate Art Work

You can invest in art work, but you can’t hang it on your own walls.

Many people rent out their sculptures and painting to corporate spaces, such as large office buildings or event spaces, making an annual return on their investment.

The ATO requires you to document your decision to invest in art, and it be kept for a period of 10 years. It also has to be insured with a specialist insurance company.

6 - Invest in a Marina Berth

When investing in a Marina Berth, your SMSF becomes the long-term leaseholder and you can make a return on this investment by renting out the berth to short term tenants at a profit.

You cannot use the berth for your personal boat.

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If you decide to set up a SMSF and invest in traditional assets such as shares or term deposits, or something a little less common, it is crucial that you consider the long-term potential returns as your retirement depends on it.

Any SMSF investments should comply with general rules such as sole purpose test, in-house assets, related party transactions, arm’s length dealing investment strategy etc and professional advice is a must.

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We can offer initial consultations, advice and support over the phone if you have any concerns about face-to-face meetings.

Date published 21 May 2021 | Last updated 25 May 2021

This article is intended to inform rather than advise and is based on legislation and practice at the time. Taxpayer’s circumstances do vary and if you feel that the information provided is beneficial it is important that you contact us before implementation. If you take, or do not take action as a result of reading this article, before receiving our written endorsement, we will accept no responsibility for any financial loss incurred.