Frequently Asked Questions
We get a lot of questions — and we're glad people ask them. Here are the ones that come up most often, answered plainly and honestly. If yours isn't here, just reach out.
Super & SMSF
Can I buy property with my super?
Yes — but it's important to understand what's allowed. Under current Australian legislation, an SMSF can borrow to purchase commercial property through an LRBA. Legislative changes have closed the door on SMSFs using borrowed funds to acquire new General advice only. Speak to a qualified financial adviser. property. Our superannuation pathway focuses exclusively on commercial property to keep clients fully compliant.
General advice only. Seek independent legal and financial advice before making superannuation decisions.
How much super do I need to start?
There's no official minimum, but most financial professionals suggest an SMSF becomes cost-effective when the fund holds at least $200,000 — enough that the fixed costs of accounting, auditing, and compliance are proportionate to the fund's value. We'll give you an honest assessment in your first consultation.
General advice only. Speak to a qualified financial adviser.
What is an SMSF and do I need one?
A Self-Managed Super Fund is a private superannuation fund you control and manage yourself. As trustee, you make the investment decisions — including the ability to purchase commercial property. Not everyone needs one, and it's not the right structure for every investor.
SMSF trustee responsibilities are governed by the ATO and the SIS Act 1993.
Investing & Strategy
Can I use my home to invest?
Absolutely — and for most Australians, it's the single most powerful starting point available to them. If you own your home and it has grown in value, you've likely built up equity that can be accessed without selling. Through equity release, your lender can revalue your home and extend your borrowing capacity to cover a deposit on an investment property — meaning you can enter the market with little to no cash out of pocket. You keep your home, you keep your lifestyle, and you start building a portfolio at the same time.
I have no money saved — how can investing even be possible?
This surprises most people: if you own a home, you may already have everything you need to get started. The equity in your property can be used as a deposit on an investment property — meaning the barrier isn't your saving saccount, it's knowing how to access and structure what you already have. The investment property then generates rental income, which offsets a significant portion of the holding costs. Combined with tax deductions — negative gearing, depreciation, and other allowable expenses — the real out-of-pocket cost to hold a well-chosen investment property is often far lower than people expect. The first step is a conversation.
Where do you find the properties?
We operate nationally across all property types — residential, commercial, and development stock — and follow markets counter-cyclically. In SEQ specifically, we draw on deep local knowledge and a network including Coastal Property Collective. Our 28+ years of relationships and 6,000+ transactions give us access to off-market opportunities not available to most buyers.
Do you only work in Queensland?
No — we deal in all types of property throughout Australia. We follow the market data, not state borders. Our counter-cyclical approach means we're always looking at where growth is emerging, wherever that may be.
What returns can I expect?
We can't make specific return guarantees — and you should be cautious of anyone who does. What we can say is that Southeast Queensland has some of Australia's most compelling property market fundamentals: vacancy rates around 1.1%, Brisbane's median value growth, and strong Gold Coast projections. We use these fundamentals to inform your strategy and are always transparent about both the potential and the risks.
Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. General information only — not financial advice.
FINANCE & STRUCTURE
Why do you focus on finance structure before finding a property?
Because the structure you use to borrow is the single most important decision in your investment journey. The right finance structure determines how many properties you can hold, how much tax you pay, how your assets are protected, and whether you can access equity for the next purchase. Getting it wrong at the start can take years and thousands of dollars to unwind. We build the structure first so everything that follows is on solid ground.
What's the difference between a finance structure expert and a regular broker?
A mortgage broker finds you a suitable loan product. A finance structure expert looks at the whole picture: your investment goals, tax position, entity structure, existing assets and liabilities, and your plan for future acquisitions. They design a lending framework that keeps the door open for the second, third, and fourth property. We work exclusively with specialists at this level — it's a requirement of how we operate.
I already have a broker — can I still use your services?
Yes — we're happy to work alongside your existing broker where that relationship is important. However, we'll always assess whether your current finance structure is optimised for investment portfolio growth before recommending any property. If we identify that a different approach would serve your goals better, we'll be honest with you about that. Our obligation is to your long-term outcome.
OUR PROCESS & FEES
What does it cost to work with you?
Your initial consultation is completely free — no cost, no obligation. If you decide to engage us, our fees are transparent and discussed openly before any agreement is signed. No hidden commissions, no undisclosed incentives.
How long does the process take?
Direct property investment: typically 3–6 months from first call to settlement. SMSF commercial property: typically 4–8 months given additional fund structure steps. We'll give you a realistic timeline based on your specific situation.
How are you different from a buyer's agent?
A buyer's agent starts with the property search. We start with you — your goals, financial position, and timeline. Only once we've built a clear strategy and locked your finance structure do we move to property. We also bring 28+ years of market experience, counter-cyclical investment thinking, specialist property sourcing, and ongoing management through LPM. It's a fundamentally deeper service.
Do you only work in Queensland?
No — we deal in all types of property throughout Australia. We follow the market data, not state borders. Our counter-cyclical approach means we're always looking at where growth is emerging, wherever that may be.
What returns can I expect?
We can't make specific return guarantees — and you should be cautious of anyone who does. What we can say is that Southeast Queensland has some of Australia's most compelling property market fundamentals: vacancy rates around 1.1%, Brisbane's median value growth, and strong Gold Coast projections. We use these fundamentals to inform your strategy and are always transparent about both the potential and the risks.
Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. General information only — not financial advice.
