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In light of recent statistics released by the ATO, there is no indication SMSF borrowings are either “exponential or irresponsible”, according to the SMSF Professionals’ Association of Australia (SPAA).
SPAA stated the growth in SMSF borrowings has been steady over the five years to 30 June 2012, with 90 per cent taking place in the accumulation phase when cash flows are positive.
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“What has to be understood is that although SMSF borrowings increased from 1.1 per cent a year in 2008 to 3.7 per cent in 2012, this percentage still only amounts to 3.7 per cent of the total SMSF asset pool of more than $500 billion,” said SPAA’s Graeme Colley.
“SPAA’s understanding of the current situation is that borrowing has not increased significantly since 2012 and remains a very small proportion of the total value of loans made by banks and other financial institutions.”
Mr Colley also said borrowings have “strict limitations” placed on them and can be used for any asset class permitted under the superannuation legislation, not just property.
“The lending criteria placed on superannuation funds that borrow for limited recourse borrowing arrangements are more stringent than loans taken out by individuals for residential property and commercial property – a fact often overlooked,” Mr Colley said.
