Commercial property has long been seen as a powerful investment tool for business owners. It offers stable returns, potential tax advantages, and the chance to build wealth outside of everyday operations. But in recent years, the way entrepreneurs approach property investment has shifted. Rather than relying on banks or passive property plays, more business owners are actively taking control of their investments—and using smarter, more strategic tools to do it.

From buying their own premises to setting up self-managed super funds, business owners are no longer sitting on the sidelines. They’re stepping up, structuring deals with intention, and taking advantage of new financial products that give them more freedom and flexibility than traditional paths ever allowed.

Why Control Matters in Property Investment

Owning property is one thing. Controlling it is another. For many business owners, the real value lies not just in having property as part of a portfolio—but in being able to manage how it’s purchased, held, and used.

When you have control, you can align your property strategy with your business goals. Want to renovate your warehouse? Sublease part of your office? Use rent payments to build super? All of that becomes possible when you're not at the mercy of landlords, rigid lease terms, or cookie-cutter financing.

This level of control allows you to protect your business from rising rents, unexpected relocations, or poor landlord decisions. More importantly, it lets you turn a business expense—like rent—into an asset-building strategy.

The Rise of SMSF Lending

One of the most effective tools giving business owners more control over their property investments is SMSF lending. By using a self-managed super fund (SMSF) to purchase commercial property, entrepreneurs can effectively rent their own space—paying rent back into their retirement fund instead of to a third party.

Here’s how it works: an SMSF can borrow money under a limited recourse borrowing arrangement (LRBA) to buy property. That property is then held in a separate trust, and the loan is repaid over time through rental income—often from the owner’s own business.

It’s a smart play that offers both short-term control and long-term growth. The business secures its location, the owner benefits from the appreciation of the asset, and the SMSF grows with each rent payment.

Benefits Beyond Ownership

Controlling your own commercial property investment opens the door to a host of advantages:

• Stable Costs: Say goodbye to surprise rent hikes or the risk of eviction.
  
  
• Tax Efficiency: SMSF structures can offer concessional tax rates on income and capital gains.
  
  
• Asset Security: Owning the premises means fewer concerns about landlord restrictions or lease renewals.
  
  
• Future Flexibility: Properties can be sold, leased, or redeveloped based on evolving business needs.
  
  
• Wealth Accumulation: The property can appreciate in value over time while building equity.

These benefits aren’t just financial—they’re also psychological. Business owners often report greater peace of mind when they know their workspace isn’t dependent on someone else’s rules.

Tools and Strategies That Help

Of course, gaining more control over property investments doesn’t happen automatically. It requires smart planning, the right legal structure, and often a team of professionals. Business owners are increasingly leaning on:

• Commercial finance brokers who understand SMSF structures and non-bank lending
  
  
• Accountants who specialise in superannuation and property tax law
  
  
• Lawyers to manage trust deeds and compliance with the ATO
  
  
• Buyers’ agents who help source off-market or investment-grade properties
  
  
• Property managers to maintain the investment if it’s not owner-occupied

Bringing the right people together ensures compliance, minimises risk, and maximises the benefits of the strategy.

More Than Just Bricks and Mortar

It’s not just about buying buildings. The trend of business owners taking control of property is also reshaping how they see their overall financial picture. Property is no longer just a “nice to have” asset—it’s becoming part of a broader plan to secure wealth, independence, and a stronger retirement.

According to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), over 600,000 SMSFs currently manage more than $876 billion in assets, and commercial property remains one of the most popular asset classes. 

That’s not a trend—it’s a movement. Business owners are realising they have more options, more leverage, and more ability to shape their financial future than ever before.

When Control Makes the Most Sense

Not every business needs to own property, and not every owner should jump into SMSF lending without serious due diligence. But for those who value long-term control, want to convert rent into equity, or simply want a stable base for operations, property investment through strategic vehicles like SMSFs can be a game changer.

It's especially powerful for:

• Medical, legal, or consulting practices that need a professional, customised space
  
  
• Trade or manufacturing businesses with warehouse or yard needs
  
  
• Retail businesses looking to lock in a premium location
  
  
• Service businesses aiming to future-proof against landlord changes

The key is to know what you're trying to achieve—and build the investment plan around that.

Final Thoughts

Control over property isn’t just about ownership—it’s about freedom. It’s the freedom to grow on your own terms, to reinvest in your future, and to know that your business isn’t being dictated by someone else’s decisions.

With tools like SMSF lending and the right strategic support, more Australian business owners are rewriting the rules of commercial property investing. And in doing so, they’re not just buying buildings—they’re building lasting value.